Matching Funding for URCO Grants

 

Undergraduate Research and Creative Opportunity (URCO) awards provide a one semester, $1,000 scholarship, to support original research, scholarship, or creative work by USU undergraduates with the guidance of a faculty member. Proposals may also include requests for additional funds to cover the costs of equipment, supplies, and project-related travel.

To support students in this program, the Caine College of the Arts will set aside funds from Differential Tuition each semester to provide matching funding for student URCO grants. Students applying for matching funds must be a current major in one of the departments of the Caine College of the Arts to be eligible (Art+Design, Music, Theatre Arts). Proposals will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis until the appropriated funding has been exhausted. Departmental matches are appropriate and encouraged, since they will make the funds go farther.

Students applying for an URCO grant through the USU Office of Research and Graduate Studies should work with a faculty member to develop their proposal according to the official guidelines.

CCA may provide up to $250 in matching scholarship funds and $500 for matching equipment/supplies/travel funds (total of $750). Matching scholarship funding may also be awarded for group projects. Matching funds will only be released to students if their URCO grants are successfully reviewed and funded by the Office of Research.

Deadlines

Completed URCO proposals are due to the CCA Dean’s Office for review on the 5th day of each month in which an Office of Research URCO deadline takes place. Typically, this means the CCA deadlines are February 5th, June 5th, and October 5th each year. The deadline is on the 5th of the month even if it falls on a weekend or holiday. Following review, CCA will send letters of commitment for matching funds to students, which the student will submit with their completed proposal to the Office of Research.

Students who are awarded URCO grants must submit a copy of their award letter to the CCA Financial Officer, at which point they will work with their department head and department staff assistant to receive their matching funds.