Application Questions
Q: Does the three-page limit include works cited pages and itemized budgets?
A: No, works cited pages and itemized budgets are not counted in the three-page limit for proposals. Proposals may include additional supplemental materials, in addition to the three-page limit, but only those absolutely essential to evaluate the merits of the project.
Q: Are international students not seeking a degree at UH Mānoa allowed to apply?
A: No, UROP awards are for UH Mānoa students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
Q: Are graduate or doctoral students allowed to apply?
A: No, UROP awards are for undergraduate students pursuing a first bachelor’s degree from UH Mānoa.
Q: Are students in their last semester of undergraduate coursework allowed to apply?
A: No, the UROP awards are for undergraduate students with at least two semesters remaining in their degree progress.
A: No. Any incomplete applications will not be considered after the deadline has passed.
Q: If I have already received funding, can I apply for funding again?
A: You can apply for multiple funding cycles as long as you have an appropriate proposal, however, you cannot receive funding until you have completed all outstanding funding requirements for previous awards. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Council will consider if you have already received funding and how well you fulfilled your research proposal, in addition to the general standards.
Q: Do I need to provide my transcript with my application?
A: No, we will access your transcript through STAR. However, if you are a Freshman applicant with no completed courses at UH, then you must attach you high school transcripts to your proposal.
A: Pending approval status is acceptable. It is imperative to ensure that your research is in compliance with the established ethical standards of UH Mānoa and a pending status at the time of application will make any award contingent upon approval.
Funding Questions
Q: Are students from any of the University of Hawaiʻi campuses eligible for funding?
A: No, UROP awards are for UH Mānoa undergraduate students only. However, students from all University of Hawaiʻi campuses are encouraged to apply for existing research opportunities.
Q: Are projects required for academic credit in my department eligible for the UROP funding?
A: Yes, such projects may be eligible for UROP awards.
A: No. Please think thoroughly about your budget and anticipate upcoming needs. You may only submit your budget once.
A: Possibly. After we determine how much you will be awarded, Financial Aid will weigh that against any funding sources that may count toward your cost of attendance. Please contact the Financial Aid office if you have any questions or concerns about your particular situation.
A: No, these funds are for students to initiate their own research projects. Your funded project may, however, be related to your faculty mentor’s area of expertise.
A: You may, but please indicate other funding in your budget.
A: It depends on how many people apply and the quality of the proposals. We make every effort to fund proposals that meet or exceed guidelines.
Q. May I include a stipend in my proposal?
A. Yes, UROP funds stipends at a standard rate of $12/hr. Please indicate how many hours you expect the stipends to cover and justification in your itemized budget.
Existing Opportunity Questions
Q: Can I contact organizations that have posted an opportunity on my own or must I go through UROP?
A: Yes, you should contact the opportunity provider yourself. If you have any questions for UROP, however, do not hesitate to contact us.
A: Opportunity providers will review your application, as each has their own standards. Please check with your opportunity provider for specific needs once we send you their contact information.
Research Questions
Q: Does my faculty mentor have to be in a department relevant to my area of research?
A: Yes, your faculty mentor should represent your field of research. Their responsibility is to guide you through your research project, so they must be well versed in the area.
Q: How long does my presentation have to be? What should it consist of?
A: The oral segment consists of a 12-minute presentation followed by a 3-minute question and answer segment. The poster presentation consists of standing in front of a professional, quality poster that presents your research to the judges and the audience, all of whom will be walking around the presentation room. We will provide guidance for the presentation format for award recipients as you put together your presentation.
A: Ideally your research would be completed within the semester of award and you would be able to present findings at the presentation event. If your research will take longer, please indicate so in your time line.
A: Unfortunately, UROP is unable to set up accounts or purchase supplies for students. We disburse funds directly to recipients who arrange with their mentor and/or department regarding any purchases that they cannot make directly (i.e. chemicals, lab equipment, etc.). We have had situations in the past where departments bought research supplies and students reimbursed them.
Miscellaneous Questions
A: Yes, all applicants will be notified of the final decision made by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Council.
Q: Can I do BOTH independent research through UROP and work on an existing project through UROP?
A: Yes, we encourage you to seek out research opportunities wherever you may find them!