Proposal Tips

State your “thesis” first.

Start with the purpose of your work to get reviewers’ attention.

Frame the “bigger picture.”

Place your project in the context of the field of study.

Highlight broader impacts.

Be clear about the benefits of your project beyond impact in the field of study.

Answer “So what?”

Be sure reviewers understand why the project is needed.

Communicate urgency.

Explain why the project is not only needed—but needed now.

Avoid jargon.

Use language accessible to reviewers who might not be familiar with the topic.

Leave out citations.

UROP accepts the mentor endorsement as verification of sources without citation.

Visit the Writing Center.

Consider consulting with the CU Boulder Writing Center as you draft your proposal.

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Student Grants Guide

Call for Participants

Developed and hosted in Boulder since 2018, UROP's Sidewalk Symposium invites undergraduates to share their research and creative presentations with chalk on campus walkways. UROP welcomes undergraduates at any stage of their project to participate.

Register for UROP's Sidewalk Symposium by Oct.5, 2026

Celebrating 40 Years

CU Boulder has an expansive history engaging undergraduates in the research and creative life of the campus dating to the creation of UROP in 1986.