Purpose
To create meaningful research (by “research” we mean research, scholarship, and creative activities) and professional development opportunities for students who are working on faculty-centered, faculty-mentored research projects.
Students Benefits
- Engaging in an intensive and meaningful research experience
- Professional development opportunities throughout the Summer
- Presenting their research on campus and at an appropriate conference
- SURF Students receive a stipend ($3,000)
- Students may be able to forgo less meaningful Summer employment and focus on research
Student Eligibility
Any student who plans to return to CI in Fall 2022 is eligible to be a Summer SURFer. Graduating Seniors are not eligible. Graduate students are not eligible.
Summer SURFers will be selected by SURF Faculty Fellows. We will publicize Faculty Fellow projects and allow for applications from any eligible student. However, the choice of Student SURFers is at the sole discretion of the Faculty Fellow.
The number of SURFers is subject to budgetary constraints. We will support as many as we can.
Application Process
To apply you will need:
- A copy of your unofficial transcript (use the unofficial transcript generated in CIRecords)
- A resume. Be sure to emphasize courses, skills, and experiences that might be attractive to the faculty member looking at the resume. Click here to view resume resources from CI's Career Development.
- An essay describing your interest in the research project. Explain your interest by referencing your preparation, experience, personal, and career goals (maximum 2000 characters, about 300 words). Click here for advice on writing a personal statement for summer research programs.
- You may apply for multiple projects. However, you will need to fill out an application for each project separately. Each project you apply to will need a different essay.
The deadline for applications is Sunday, February 27th. Successful candidates will be informed of their status on or before March 15th.
When you are ready to apply, visit this page where you will find application links for each faculty project.
Student Roles & Expectations
Students are expected to devote the majority of their effort during the Summer to their faculty-mentored research. Students should avoid additional work responsibilities that conflict with the purposes of the program.
Students must:
- Attend a virtual meeting with the Faculty Learning Community on (mid-April).
- Attend the SURF Orientation Program on (early June).
- Be available Monday through Friday, June 6- July 29th to engage in their research project
- Participate fully in the Summer Interdisciplinary Research Learning Community (IRLC)
- Complete all work assigned by faculty mentors and the IRLC faculty leads
- Participate in assessment activities associated with Summer SURF
- Present their research in the Fall Faculty-Student Research Showcase (September 2022)
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get paid?
Students will be paid in two installments mid-summer and upon completion of the program.
I am graduating in May 2021. Can I participate?
No. This program is aimed at students with AT LEAST one semester left at CI.
I don’t have any research experience. Should I apply?
Of course! This program is meant to create opportunities to gain experience. Students with no past research experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
Who chooses the Summer SURF Students?
Students are chosen by the faculty mentors of each research project.
Do I have to be a rising Senior?
No. In fact, choosing students who are rising Sophomores or rising Juniors allows students to have more than one student research experience before graduating.