2012-2013 University Scholars Program

The Department of Psychology is now accepting applications to the 2012-2013 University Scholars Program. The purpose of the University Scholars Program (USP) is to introduce University of Florida undergraduate students to the exciting opportunity of working closely with UF faculty to pursue fundamental research and scholarly activities, thereby gaining valuable insight into how new knowledge is created and developed and how existing knowledge is focused on important problems. This program will permit selected undergraduate students, who will be designated as University Scholars, to work one-on-one with a chosen faculty member on a research/creative project of mutual interest. From such interaction, the student will take away an understanding of and appreciation for the scholarly method, an experience that will be invaluable in many career opportunities, including graduate and professional schools. It is the responsibility of the student to find a faculty mentor, and USP work is often a continuation of a project a student has been working on as an undergraduate research assistant. Each scholar will be awarded a $1,750 stipend for their efforts. While the faculty mentor will set the schedule for the research, students typically conduct research during the summer of 2012 and continue their work during the 2012-2013 academic year. Applicants must have an overall 3.0 GPA and a graduation date of no sooner than December 2012.

To apply, your application will need to include the following materials. Make sure each is saved either as a .pdf file or a Microsoft Word document (appears as .docx or .doc):

1. The application form, which can be found here. Download this form, then you can type the information into this form and save it. NOTE: This form says that applications are due on February 15, but this is the CLAS deadline for department nominations. The actual due date to the department is February 6, by 5 PM, to Dr. Abrams. Applications received after February 6 will not be considered.
2. A typed summary of your proposed research project, maximum one page.
3. A resume or CV.
4. A letter of support from your faculty mentor. NOTE: Students are not restricted to their own colleges in seeking out faculty mentors, but students must submit their application to the faculty mentors' department. So, if your mentor's primary appointment is not in psychology, then you will need to submit your application to a different department.

To submit your application, you must prepare ONE file that contains the application form, your research project summary, your resume/CV, and your letter of support. To do this, you can compress all 4 documents into one .zip file. In Windows Explorer, select all of the files to zip, right-click, and select Send To Compressed (zipped) folder. This will give you a single .zip file. Rename the .zip file with your name as follows: e.g., *your full name goes here*_USP_application. Your email should contain only one attachment; do not send four separate attachments. [NOTE: If your faculty member is uncomfortable giving you the letter, he/she can email it to me directly.] In the subject line of your email, put "USP Application". Send your one file to Dr. Abrams at abrams@ufl.edu. All applications must be received by email no later than 5 pm, February 6, 2012. If you do not receive a confirmation email (by February 7) that your application was received, please email Dr. Abrams. Any questions? Please email Dr. Abrams.

For more information, check out http://www.scholars.ufl.edu. Requirements specific to CLAS are described at http://www.clas.ufl.edu/students/usp_guidelines.html. The Department of Psychology will select a maximum of four nominees to be forwarded to CLAS, who will ultimately select the students for the USP program.