Questions concerning the proposal preparation process should be directed to the Office of Experiential Learning, experiential.learning@ohio.edu.
Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund
Request for Proposals for the 2026-2027 Academic Year
Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund
The Provost's Undergraduate Research Fund (PURF) offers up to $1,500 to fund research and creative activity conducted by undergraduate students. The PURF is offered annually with submissions due on the first Thursday of October each year.
Review the instructions and guidelines on this page carefully, as some information and instructions have been updated. To receive full consideration, your proposal must meet all outlined requirements and guidelines.
How to Get Started
- Review the application timeline and make note of deadlines.
- Read the proposal preparation guidelines prior to beginning your proposal.
- We encourage you to connect with your mentor to discuss the proposal process and again before submitting your proposal.
- Review each proposal section carefully and follow the instructions and guidelines for each section.
- Make sure to review information about presenting, if selected, and travel/booking.
- Once you have drafted your proposal, double check that it includes all required proposal submission materials and follows all formatting and submission requirements.
- Submit your proposal on or before the deadline.
Proposal Preparation Guidelines
These guidelines supersede previous versions. Please review the guidelines before submitting a proposal. Very meritorious proposals are often not funded because guidelines are not followed and information needed to make an informed, objective decision is not available to the review committee. Many members feel that the care with which a proposal is prepared indicates the care with which the work will be done by the investigator.
Mentor Support & Approval
The proposal must be conceived and written by the student and approved by the mentor (as signified by the signature on the cover page and the mentor's endorsement included in the proposal).
Mentors are strongly encouraged to give feedback to the students during the proposal preparation process, but the application must be authored by the student.
Required Proposal Materials
The application must contain the following:
- Application in GivePulse
- 100-word maximum abstract
- Proposal narrative
- Biographical information
- Budget
- Mentor鈥檚 endorsement letter
The bibliography and appendix are optional.
Proposal Formatting & Submission Requirements
Proposals must follow the word and page limits listed below and conform to the guidelines regarding font, margins, and line spacing described in each of the proposal sections.
- All proposal sections must be in 12-point font with 1 inch or greater margins.
- Number pages to facilitate the review process.
- Include the required sections in the order listed in the required proposal materials section (and/or proposal sections).
- Do not submit any hard copies in any form.
- Proposal must be submitted as a single PDF document.
The goal of the requirements for type size, spacing, and margins is to provide legible documents of roughly similar length. The use of unusual typefaces defeats the goal that the review committee hopes to achieve. Please review the electronic PDF application before submitting.
**Please Note: The Review Committee has the right to return without review any proposals that do not conform to these format requirements.**
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Proposal Preparation Questions?
Proposal Sections
Click each section to review guidelines and requirements.
1. Cover Page
The cover page has been replaced by the fields in .
2. Abstract
- The abstract should be a 100鈥恮ord maximum submission that is a clear and concise summary of the proposed project.
- The abstract should briefly state what you propose to do, why the project is important, how you will accomplish your goals, and what the expected outcomes are.
- The abstract may be used to publicize funded proposals and should be a stand鈥恆lone description of the proposed project.
- To accommodate the varied backgrounds of the review committee, the abstract should be written in language understandable by an informed layperson. Avoid the use of discipline-based jargon in the abstract.
3. Project Narrative
Formatting
The project narrative must be no more than five (5) double-spaced pages and use 12-point font that is clear and legible, and standard size. Figure, charts, tables and figure legends and footnotes may use a smaller font size and may be single-spaced but must be clear and readily legible. Margins must measure one inch (1") or greater on all sides.
Required Sections
The project narrative must address the following: goals and scope, context, methods, timeline, student鈥檚 role, and significance. Please use these section headings in your proposal. Applicants are encouraged to use the first person narrative style (e.g., I will examine鈥).
Goals and Scope
Describe the goals and scope of the proposed research or creative project.
- What do you intend to do?
- What will this research or creative activity accomplish?
- What problem does this project address?
- Why does this project need to be done?
Avoid jargon or terms unique to the discipline. If you must use such terms, please define them so all committee members can understand your proposal.
Context
Briefly contextualize your project in relationship to others鈥 work. Explain how the project differs from or extends previous, related work: What has previously been done in the area? How does this project relate to the previous work?
Methods
Describe the methods you will use to accomplish the research or creative work. How will the work be accomplished?
Research Projects
For research projects, the method discussion should relate to one of two major traditions: quantitative and qualitative, or a combination.
- For quantitative approaches, it may be helpful to discuss: hypotheses or research questions, operationalization and instrumentation, research sites or context, sample size calculations, research design, data collection, and data analysis.
- For qualitative approaches, it may be helpful to discuss: research objectives or questions, instrumentation (e.g., interview schedules, observation instruments), research design (e.g., ethnography, case study, or in-depth interviewing), the relationship of research design to research objectives, data collection, and data analysis.
Creative Projects
For creative projects, the methods should explain the vision of the work to be created and the process or steps needed to complete the artistic vision.
Note: projects with multiple applicants must clarify the individual roles and expertise of each of the applicants.
Timeline
Provide an expected timetable for the research or creative activity (e.g., when major activities will start, how long they will take, when they will be completed) and estimated hours you will devote to the project.
Important Timeline Note
Please note: Applicants must ensure that all projects can feasibly be concluded within a year. Applicants with concerns should contact experiential.learning@ohio.edu, prior to submission.
Student鈥檚 Role
Describe your role on the project 鈥 from conception to implementation to dissemination. If you are working with other students or on a larger project, detail your contribution. If applicable, describe specifically how your project fits within or is distinguishable from your faculty member鈥檚 research.
Significance
Describe the significance of your research or creative project. Why is it important to your discipline? What are the implications for theory, research, creative activity and/or practice?
Also include a statement of the broader impacts of the research/creative activity (e.g., why is it important to other disciplines or to the general public). Will your findings provide a better understanding of a societal problem? What is the potential impact of the project on society?
4. Bibliography
Formatting
The bibliography must be no more than two (2) single-spaced pages.
Information to Include
Literature cited in or used to inform the Project Narrative should be included in the bibliography.
Additional Information
A short bibliography should be presented whenever appropriate for the proposed activity. A carefully selected bibliography can strengthen a proposal by indicating to the reviewer that the applicant is aware of significant and current literature in the field.
If appropriate to the discipline, an annotated bibliographic essay may be prepared but should include sufficiently detailed citations for the references listed. Bibliographies that are obviously lifted en-bloc from a dissertation or other publication are a disservice to the proposal.
Biographical Information
Formatting
The biographical information must be no more than one (1) single-spaced page.
Information to Include
Include biographical information for the applicant(s) and key personnel. Key personnel are collaborators, other than the faculty mentor, who are essential to the completion of the project.
- The biographical information must include GPA and anticipated date(s) of graduation.
- Briefly describe any activities (coursework, research, internships, etc.) you have completed that have prepared you to do the proposed project.
- Also, identify skills you have (e.g., language and computer skills, etc.) that are necessary for completing the project.
Other Funding Sources
In addition, applicants must include a list of other research/creative support for which the applicant has applied and/or is currently receiving. This information must be summarized in a separate section within the Biographical Information titled: 鈥淥ther Funding Sources鈥.
6. Budget
Formatting
This section must be no more than two (2) single-spaced pages.
Budget Expenditures
Budget expenditures before the award date will not be reimbursed. Funds can only be expended for the duration that the applicant is currently enrolled and maintains undergraduate student status.
Additional Funding Sources
The maximum award is $1,500. If the project costs more than $1,500, please indicate the funding source(s) for the additional project costs. Funding is provided to cover the cost of items that are necessary to conduct the project and may include supplies, materials, and travel for research and/or dissemination of results.
Allowable Expenses
All expenditures must comply with University and/or college policies and guidelines. It is suggested that if you have any budget questions concerning what will be allowable, that you contact your mentor and/or college financial representative prior to submitting award request.
Expenditure Details
In your budge, please note:
- Supplies. All supplies that must be purchased for the project should be described in adequate detail so that a person knowledgeable in the field of the proposed research may make an assessment of the reasonableness of the request. If the budget item is a common consumable supply generally available in most laboratories, offices, or studios, please justify the purchase with PURF funds.
- Equipment. All major items of equipment, including computers, which are to be purchased with PURF funds, should be listed with the estimated cost of each item and components of each item if applicable. Because of limited funds available to the Review Committee, requests for equipment should be made only after a conscientious search has been conducted to determine whether this equipment is already on campus and available through a loan or share arrangement. If you request funds to purchase expensive equipment, such as computers, hardware, printers, cameras, etc., you must justify that the equipment does not exist elsewhere on campus for your use. Any equipment purchased with PURF funding is the property of 红杏视频 and must be turned over to the student鈥檚 department at the end of the project and/or prior to your graduation.
- Tuition. If you request funds to pay for tuition at another institution or training program, you must justify why your project cannot be completed unless you attend another school. No 红杏视频 tuition expenses are allowable with the possible exception of study abroad fees that are integral to the project. Note, this request requires special consideration (see Special Instructions section below).
- Travel. If you request funds for travel to present your research or creative activity, indicate the name and date of the conference, performance or exhibit and provide specific travel plans and dates. Travel expenses must be broken down into transportation, meals, and lodging categories, and the basis for the figures must be provided. Where appropriate use the OU Travel Reimbursement Policy 41.121 to determine limits on travel expenses. For domestic travel, meal and hotel expenses will be reimbursed as per . For international travel, meal expenses and hotel rates will be reimbursed as per .
- Students who are traveling beyond 100 miles of their 红杏视频 campus or to another state must register with the Office of Global Opportunities: Travel Registration.
- For more support on domestic and international travel, risk ratings for destinations and planning an international experience, students are encouraged to contact the Office of Global Opportunities global.opportunities@ohio.edu.
- Other. Costs for transcription charges, photocopying charges, postage, and the purchase of essential publications and fees paid to participants in the scholarly activity are eligible.
Itemized Project Budget
Itemize the project budget. Be specific. Create a table as per below. Note, sources of funds other than the PURF (e.g., department, college, personal finances, external grant) can be listed if applicable.
Example Table For Itemizing a Project's Budget
| Item | Amount | Source | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example Item | Example Amount | Example Source | Example Justification |
| Total Requested |
Travel Funding
If you are requesting travel funding only, please explain how you are funding the other parts of your project.
7. Mentor's Endorsement
Formatting
- The mentor鈥檚 endorsement letter must not exceed one (1) single-spaced page in 12-point font with 1 inch margins.
- Mentors within the University do not need to use university letterhead but must sign the letter.
- Mentors from outside the University should use their university/company letterhead.
- Applicants with multiple mentors within the university must submit one letter, jointly signed by the mentors. Applicants with both a mentor outside the university and within the university may submit two separate letters if needed.
- Only if necessary, and with prior approval, the mentor may email the letter separately from the application. The letter must be received prior to the proposal deadline and the student should note in the application that the letter will be emailed separately.
Endorsement Requirements
The endorsement must include:
- an assessment of the student鈥檚 interest and preparation in relationship to the proposed project,
- the perceived benefit of the research/creative activity to the professional development of the student, and
- a description of the mentor鈥檚 role in the project.
- a statement that the application has been conceived, written and completed by the student
- the mentor鈥檚 signature
Mentor Financial Responsibility
Note: Mentors take the financial responsibility for student work, so mentors should make sure they review the budget submitted and are also involved in the financial aspects once an award is given. Inappropriate or non-compliant expenses may be the personal responsibility of the faculty mentor, so it is important the mentor understands this commitment prior to agreeing to serve as a mentor.
Multiple Student Mentees
Mentors with multiple students applying in a single cycle are strongly encouraged to reflect on the benefits of research/creative activity experience and PURF funding for the individual student and to articulate this in their endorsement. Mentor letters that are written as form letters do a disservice to the applicant.
8. Appendices
Formatting
This section is limited to two (2) single-spaced pages.
Information to Include
Note: Appended materials are limited to the following: letters of collaboration or financial support.
Inclusion of other materials in the appendices will make the proposal non-compliant with the guidelines.
Submission
All appended materials must be submitted electronically as part of the single .pdf file unless otherwise approved prior to submission.
Presentation Requirement
All PURF recipients are required to share their research, creative, or scholarly project with the university community at the annual 红杏视频 Research and Creative Activity Expo held in the spring semester.
Example Proposals
Please Note: Efforts will be made to ensure that posted example proposals comply with current guidelines. However, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their proposal is compliant with current guidelines.
Travel Booking/Payments
As per University policy, 41.121, all recipients must work with their respective department and faculty mentors to access funds. Funds will not be disbursed directly to recipients.