1. What is the Undergraduate Student Research Award
The Research Award is an annual award given to University of Michigan undergraduate students in recognition of their extraordinary academic achievements. The award is given to students who demonstrate excellence in library research conducted in support of an undergraduate student project.
2. What course projects are eligible for the award?
All projects completed by undergraduate students while enrolled at the University of Michigan are eligible. Projects can be in any format or medium such as a Website, a documentary or an art installation. Individual or group projects are eligible.
3. How many awards are offered?
Up to six awards will be offered:
Maize Award for Single-Term Projects
First Place: $1000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
Blue Award for Multi-Term Projects
First Place: $1000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
4. When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
5. Can I receive this award if I am enrolled at UM Flint?
Yes. University of Michigan undergraduates at any of our three campuses (Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn) are eligible to receive this award.
6. Are groups or teams allowed to participate?
Yes, groups or teams may participate in the award competition. For group submissions, two or more members of the group must submit reflection essays which identify their contribution and participation in the group project.
7. What do you understand by "Library Research"?
Library research can take different forms: a substantial literature search, using skills learned during library workshops, personal consultations with a librarian or archivist; but all of those elements don’t necessarily have to be present. For example, if a student worked closely with an archivist but did not do a long lit search, he or she can still be a good candidate for the award, as long as the personal essay describing his/her research process and the bibliography clearly articulate the in-depth nature of the library/archival research component of the project.
8. How will submissions be judged?
Submissions will be judged on how well student researchers demonstrate significant personal knowledge in the methods of research and inquiry. Winning submissions will display:
- Unusual depth or broadness in the use of library resources and collections, including, but not limited to, librarians, printed resources, databases, primary resources, and materials in all media.
- Extraordinary ability to identify, locate, select, evaluate, and synthesize library resources and to use them in the creation of a project in any medium that shows originality and/or has the potential to lead to original research in the future.
9. Who are the evaluators?
A committee composed of six librarians (both from the Undergraduate Library and a variety of subject librarians from across campus) will review the applications and select the winners and honorable mention awardees.
10. May I submit multiple projects for the award?
Yes, you may submit multiple projects, but you may receive only one award.
11. What are the application requirements?
Applicants must submit the following:
- 750-1,000 word personal essay describing the library research/literature review and resources used in preparing for or completing their research project
- The final version of the research project
- A bibliography of sources consulted
12. Is there any limit on the length of the research paper/project submitted for the award?
There is no length requirement. However, the research paper or project should be substantial.
13. Can UROP papers or projects be submitted?
Yes! UROP students who are working on a research project (even if initiated by faculty) are welcome and encouraged to participate as long as the outcome of the student's research is an independent project or paper.
14. When are Research Award winners notified?
All applicants will be notified by the end of the day on Friday, May 31st whether or not they received a Research Award. A reception to honor Award winners will be held in the Fall term at the University Library.
15. Can papers or projects be submitted after the deadline of May 2?
Papers or projects submitted after May 2, 2013 will be considered for next year.
