Do I need to be connected to a research mentor to apply?
Yes, you need to have a research mentor in order to apply. They need to start the SURF application and invite the student to be a collaborator on the application.
I don’t have a research mentor, how can I find one?
A great first step is to look at our database of research projects and to submit an interest form. The next step is to attend one of our Start Here Information Sessions that are held every other Friday in Bolton Hall 192 at 1pm.
How much money is the SURF award?
Generally, the award amount is $1500 for fall and spring and $3000 for the summer. Those amounts may change based on the number of applications we receive and the budget that we have. The award is paid at $14/hours as a student hourly position. This is not a scholarship and students need to log hours in order to receive their funding.
Can I apply for two different SURF projects?
Yes, you can apply for two projects. The full award amount would be split between the two, you would not receive two full awards.
What are the eligibility criteria for applying for SURF?
You must be a degree seeking student.
Special Students are not eligible for SURF funding.
Enrolled in at least 6 credits.
Summer SURF does not require that you are enrolled in credits, but you should be enrolled in courses for the fall semester.
Students cannot receive both credit and SURF funding for doing the same work in the same semester.
Students cannot simultaneously receive funding through multiple programs for the same work. Thus, students should not apply for SURF funding if they are already receiving funding for the work through other means, including NSF, NIH, McNair and departmental funds. SURF Awards are intended to provide support where other resources are not available.
Does all undergraduate research fall under SURF?
No, only the students who are paid by our office are considered SURF students. There are many ways to be an undergraduate researcher: volunteering, for credit, or being paid by another source other than our office. If you fall into one of these other categories, please let us know so that we can add you to our list serve of students! Everyone involved in research is welcome and encouraged to make use of our resources and attend our events.
Application Issues
My mentor started an application but I can’t see it.
This is a common issue for first time users of SM Apply. Your mentor should resend the application invitation. There are instructions for how to do that in the Mentor FAQs. You can also reach out to Jessica Schuld (jlschuld@uwm.edu) to resend the invitation.
Post Award
How do I get on Payroll?
What is expected of me if I accept a SURF award?
We expect that you are logging your time accurately. This includes making sure you do not clock more hours than you have been awarded.
You should meet your research mentor’s expectations. If you aren’t sure what those are, you should have a conversation with them about it.
You will be required to share some of your research findings at our Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium at the end of the spring semester (historically the last Friday of April). We will communicate more information to you at the start of the spring semester.
In compliance with federal and university policies, students must not work more than 25 hours per week (20 hours per week for international students) across all campus appointments during the academic year, including Winterim and spring break. During the summer, students may work up to but not exceed 40 hours per week. Students working in excess of 25 hours in a week during the school year or 40 hours in a week during the summer risk losing their SURF awards.