italics represent CUGR grant instructions

Abstract

Summarize what you intend to accomplish as concisely as possible. The abstract should contain a concise overview of the project. The character limit for the abstract is no more than 1000 characters.

Project Description

Reviewers will be faculty from a range of disciplines; therefore, the proposal should be written in general terms, with sufficient details to allow for scholarly review. The word limit for the project description is 10,000 characters.

Describe your project–what is it, how will it be made and why is it important.

Describe objectives of the research, the importance of the project to the field, and how the project will be accomplished.

Discuss how this research project fits into your overall academic program and interests

Options for answering the questions in the description part of the grant include the following:

The problem

What is lacking, or what is the opportunity, in a field or community that interests you? Whom does it affect and how? What do they need that they don’t have? Why should you or anyone care? How are you specifically suited to meet these challenges/needs in your community? Cite at least three sources that support your concerns about this issue/topic/problem. Here are examples of problems tackled in past capstones.

Other solutions

Research at least three existing projects that come closest to solving the problem you mention. What do they do right? Where do they fall short? Give visuals of 1-2 of these projects if you can.

Your solution

Describe your general approach. How will it embody the many-to-many dynamic of new media? List 2-4 criteria and show how your approach embodies them. Then detail other features of your solution. Describe the outcomes you expect and stakeholders affected.

Timeline

Timeline will be included in your CUGR project Description. You can use a visual gantt chart, and/or a list of specific tasks organized by month.

Budget and Budget Justification

The CUGR budget focuses on items you request specifically for he grant, but if you have (potential) matching funds this will support your request as “match” or “cost-share” , so include cost share from IMRC equipment, rooms, and also NMD grants if they might cover other aspects of the project.

Up to a maximum of $1,000 may be requested for student stipend, supplies or other research related expenses such as travel to present research results in professional meetings and conferences. Optional match or cost-share (either cash or in-kind from your department) may be included in the proposal.

In addition to an itemized budget, a descriptive budget justification is required, including the nature and approximate value of any match. Only expenses directly associated with the research during the 11/1/17-5/1/18 performance period will be covered. General purpose equipment such as computers will not be supported.

Recommended: Visualizations

Include images, drawings, sketches, video or any other media that will help the CUGR committee visualize your work.

Recommended: Annotated Bibliography

Document your research, show that you know your subject and are not about to re-invent the wheel. At the end of your proposal crate an annotated list 5-15 news articles, similar projects, and related sites. Include the title, a link, and a 1-2 sentence description (this is the “annotated” part)  of how this link relates to your own capstone.

Commitment Letter

Faculty mentors should provide a letter commenting on the student’s research and academic abilities and confirming the faculty member’s commitment to mentoring the student. Faculty can submit their letters online at this link.