Frequently Asked Questions
I have so many questions, is there someone I can email?
Yes! You can email research@baypath.edu and someone will answer your question or direct you to someone who can.
Faculty Advisor, Faculty Supervisor... what's the difference?
Your Faculty Advisor is assigned to you by the University based on your major, etc. You meet with this faculty member to discuss things like course schedules. Your Faculty Supervisor will oversee your project and be responsible for meeting with you weekly throughout the project. They will also help guide you through the proposal process. Your Faculty Advisor and Faculty Supervisor can be the same person, or different people.
What is the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
The Institutional Review Board protects the interests of any human being involved in a research study.
Why is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) important?
Any research study conducted by Bay Path University students or faculty which involves persons must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board before the project is started. Be sure to fill out all necessary forms for IRB approval to be submitted with your proposal.
When is my proposal due?
We are currently accepting all research applications on a rolling basis.
What is the Summer Scholar program?
The Summer Scholars Program at Bay Path University is an opportunity open to all undergraduate students in the summer after their first, sophomore or junior years.
Can I be a Summer Scholar as a first year student?
Yes, the Summer Scholar Program is open to any full-time undergraduate student returning to full-time undergraduate study the following Fall.
What do I do after my proposal receives approval?
There are several steps you need to take to ensure you properly meet all requirements. Please refer to the Student Research Steps After Approval and Student Process & Checklist for details.
Is my research eligible for academic credit?
Academic Credit for Undergraduate Students
Academic credits for research are from one to three credits and are designated at the lower course level by xxx290 (e.g. PSY290) or at the upper level by xxx490 (e.g. PSY490). Upper level research is distinguished from lower level research by the complexity of the project and depth of analysis required. Up to six credits for research may be counted towards graduation.
Credit hour value is established by the amount of reading, researching, working with materials, writing, meeting with the advisor after course enrollment, etc. Expected student commitment is determined by the number of credits sought:
one credit: approximately 45 hours.
two credits: approximately 90 hours.
three credits: approximately 135 hours.
The faculty member supervising the project will work with the student to establish the appropriate number of hours for the project. Please note: once the student has registered for those credit hours and the semester has begun, the number of credit hours cannot be changed.
Academic Credit for Graduate Students
Though academic credit for Graduate student research is not standard practice, it may be possible. Refer to the advising faculty member for further details and possible options.
But I'm a Grad Student, do I qualify for these grants/funds?
Yes, you would be eligible for any of the programs supported by the Division of Research and Academic Resources EXCEPT the Summer Scholars program.
I need to have a poster printed as part of my finished project. Can I do that through Bay Path?
While Bay Path doesn't have an on site method of printing posters, we recommend using https://www.makesigns.com/ . If you're approved for funding, we may even be able to cover this expense for you, depending on the total amount requested.
What is the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Registry?
This is a registry external to BPU with the purpose of facilitating matchmaking between undergraduates who have research experience and a desire to pursue an advanced degree, with graduate schools seeking high quality students who are well prepared for research.
Any undergraduate may register by filling out a simple information form found on their website. Students may also elect to complete a longer curriculum vitae form. There is no charge to the student and records will only be made available to bona fide Graduate Schools that contract with CUR for this service.
Graduate School representatives may contact students to invite applications or visits to the campus and laboratory, or to share information about their research programs and financial support opportunities.