During a government shutdown, agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) generally pause new grant awards, proposal reviews, and program launches. Institutions with existing federal research awards may still be able to draw down previously obligated funds, but technical assistance, progress reviews, and application processing are typically suspended.

According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), most federal research staff and grant managers are classified as nonessential and furloughed, resulting in delays that can extend well beyond the shutdown itself. Past shutdowns have led to cancellations of reserved time on national lab instruments, closures of field research sites on federal lands, etc.

The impact on undergraduate research is not yet clear, but students applying for NSF, NIH or other federally supported programs might experience delays in response times to email and program timelines might change. UROP advises students involved in projects to stay in communication with project mentors and be attentive to program websites for updates.

CU Boulder’s administration is working to minimize disruptions to research and other grant-supported activities. In the unlikely event that students with UROP funding experience changes in their ability to accomplish project goals, such as the availability of mentors and/or resources, UROP will not withdraw previously awarded funding.
 

Team Grant Proposal: One Page

Context & Objectives

200 words maximum: Situate your project within other work in the field by providing a summary of the work done and discuss the theoretical traditions influencing your project.  State the specific objectives/purpose of your project. Explain the project's relevance and who stands to benefit.  Note what is original about your project and what contribution it makes to the field.

Creative/Performance Projects: Tell us the objectives, points of curiosity from which you're starting, hypothesis or question you're exploring and the guiding principles of the work.  Discuss what theoretical, aesthetic, and/or creative traditions influence your project. Include what contributions you're making to the field.  Discuss where and when the final project will be exhibited, displayed or performed. Include your own creative/performance history.

Section Advice

UROP reviewers are experienced researchers and creative practitioners but may not be familiar with the specific terminology in your field. Please avoid jargon and be sure to guide readers into the context of the project. Make your objectives clear and check that your goals are reflected in your timeline.

Methodology & Strategy

150 words maximum: Explain the method(s) and/or strategy used in this project, including a justification for your approach.  Also justify off-site work and/or international travel if your project requires it.  Note any experience, training and/or coursework required for students.

Section Advice

Though Team Grants can be designed for advanced students with prior experience and training, UROP welcomes proposals that provide entry points for students. Please be clear about your expectations and consider including details about the training you will offer.

Mentoring Role

350 words maximum: Explain your role and, if applicable, that of the additional supervisor in the mentoring of students in this project.  What learning outcomes should they expect? Will they have the opportunity to co-author or present this work? Note previous experience mentoring undergraduate researchers and summarize your mentoring approach/philosophy.

Section Advice

UROP strongly encourages applicants to read UROP's Mentoring Guide before preparing a proposal.

Timeline

150 words maximum: Explain your project timeline (when activities will happen) from the start of the grant term to which you are applying, noting major phases to the end of the grant term.

Section Advice

Please be attentive to the grant term of your proposal when putting together your timeline. If you plan to submit more than one proposal and/or are proposing continuing work, be clear how your objectives align to UROP Grant Terms.

Budget & Student Recruitment

Expenses

  1. Itemize and total your budgetary request.
  2. Provide a speedtype for the fund transfer.
  3. Identify the Account Manager responsible for the speedtype indicated.
  4. Note other potential funding sources.
  5. Include additional information as needed.

Student Recruitment

  1. How many students do you anticipate supporting with this grant?
  2. 50 words maximum: Explain how you will work to make excellence inclusive in the recruitment and selection of undergraduate team members.
  3. Optional: (150 words maximum) Provide a brief statement promoting your Team Grant as a potential opportunity for undergraduates.

See Managing Faculty Grants for payment information.

Team Grants

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