College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Academics

Thank you for sharing your research expertise with the next generation of academic scholars through the CANR Undergraduate Research Program (URP). Undergraduate research provides excellent training and experience to students preparing to enter the workforce or pursue advanced degrees. To make the best use of time, talent, and resources provided by undergraduate research grants, please keep the following hints in mind.

General Recommendations

• Request support for only ONE student applicant per funding cycle.
• Review the Hints for Applications and the Evaluation Rubric for URP Applications to better understand what students will be submitting and your role.
• Acquaint your research mentee with the scope of your project. Although students may have specific duties with a narrow aspect of the work, a vision of the big picture helps students understand the importance of their duties.
• Students can be expected to work eight to 12 hours per week. If their duties will require more or less time at certain points of the semester, give your student advance notice of the expected intense work periods.
• Check in with your research mentee frequently by email or in person and invite to project staff meetings when appropriate.

NOTE: Once students submit an application, their faculty mentor will be pinged to submit a reference.

Funding Details

If awarded, URP funds are moved to an account/sub-account based in the faculty mentor's department. At least 80% of the URP amount must directly support the students as hourly pay, travel and/or presentation expenses. Any remaining funds can be used toward lab/field supplies used by your research mentee that would not otherwise be covered by your project budget. Faculty mentors will be asked on their reference form to describe any additional funds outside of the URP that will support the student's work (if applicable) to ensure feasibility of the project.

Research Training

Please be sure your mentee understands your department’s individual, institutional, and professional responsibility for ethical practice and integrity in research and scholarship. Undergraduates receiving URP funds will be contacted by the MSU Office of Undergraduate Research to complete responsible conduct of research training. 

Plans to Present Research

Students are expected to present their work at (1) the spring University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) within one year of their research experience, and (2) at least one additional professional event. Additional events might include a professional meeting related to the mentor's broader research program, a department-level symposium, or a lab meeting if a larger venue is not feasible. 

Contact Rose Stewart at stewa684@msu.edu with any questions.