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Interested in applying? Think about a faculty mentor!
Interested in applying? Think about a faculty mentor!
Find a faculty mentor who can advise you on your project over the dates of the program. If you’re unsure exactly what you want to do, discussions with one or more professors in your field can help you identify and refine a topic.
Faculty don't need to be in your exact discipline, especially if your project has interdisciplinary qualities.
Librarian faculty are also excited to mentor SURF projects!
In consultation with your faculty mentor, develop a project proposal that explains the purpose of the project, the intended methodology, and a timeline for your work (which must be completed by the end of the program).
What makes a strong proposal?
What makes a strong proposal?
The proposal is written in a way that is easily understandable by a cross-disciplinary audience.
The proposal describes both the “big picture significance” of the project as well as specific goals and methodology.
The proposal describes your relevant background coursework and experience.
The project timeline illustrates the feasibility of your project over an 8 week, 40 hour/week timeframe.
If your project will require materials, laboratory or art supplies, etc., you must include a budget for the project (<$1,000). Be sure to develop the project budget in consultation with your mentor.
While there is no page limit for proposals, aim for roughly 2 to 3 pages, single-spaced.
See sample proposals from the humanities and STEM disciplines below!
What does a good proposal look like?
What does a good proposal look like?
We're lucky to have a few examples of successful project proposals from SURF alumni. Check out examples of proposals from the Arts, Humanities, and STEM disciplines that translated into very productive 8-week SURF projects. You must be logged into your SMCM account to view the examples below.
D'Antona_SURF_ProposalSheet_2018.pdfHarper_SURF_ProposalSheet_2023.pdfEstremsky_SURF_ProposalSheet_2023.pdfSmith_M_SURF Proposal_2017.docxGreene_SURF_ProposalSheet_2023.pdfCorbin_SURF_ProposalSheet_2023.pdfReport abuse