Skip over navigation
Brown shield Brown shield Brown University Dean of the College Brown shield Brown shield Brown University Dean of the College

UTRA - FAQs

How do I establish a relationship with a professor?

Once you have a general idea of a project that you would like to work on and you have identified a professor whom you’d like to work with, e-mail or make an appointment to talk to the professor during office hours about your idea.

(top of page)

What types of projects can be done during a Semester UTRA?

Students awarded a Semester UTRA can complete the same kind of research projects awarded for the summer. Because the Semester UTRA is 120 hours, roughly one-third of the time of the summer UTRA—projects will need to be more focused so that they can be completed —or at least complete one phase — in the shorter period of time. Students can undertake research for a course design or revision; they may create annotated bibliographies, do ethnographic research, lab research, archival research, etc. But the specific schedule of the work will be required to show that the project can be completed in the time allowed.

(top of page)

What are the reviewers looking for when they evaluate the UTRA application?

The quality of the collaboration is a key factor in the selection process. In making these appointments, preference is given to students and faculty who have demonstrated a high level of motivation and interest in the field(s) represented in the project and who bring ideas and background that strengthen the probability of a collaborative partnership.

(top of page)

Can I hold an UTRA and another award?

No. Students who are awarded a Karen T. Romer UTRA and also receive another fellowship from the University (e.g., Royce or Mellon Mays) or from another source (e.g. Pfizer, Rhode Island Space Grant), will be asked to choose one.

(top of page)

Can I study in a location different from the professor?

No. It is expected that faculty sponsors and students be on site together. Sponsors are asked to meet with student collaborators on a regular basis for most of the summer. The UTRA Committee expects that the student and faculty member will meet a minimum of once a week so that there are structured opportunities to discuss the ongoing work.

(top of page)

Can I extend a Summer UTRA into a Semester UTRA?

Students can “extend” a Summer UTRA only if they are applying for the Summer and Semester Teaching Collaboration. If students realize that they need more time to complete other kinds of summer research projects, they can apply for a Spring Semester UTRA. The deadline for the Spring UTRA is early November. While the Semester UTRA is in the pilot stage, we will be reviewing this aspect of the UTRA process, and the decision to allow students to apply for consecutive UTRAs might change based on the need and availability of the awards.

(top of page)

Can I apply for a summer and semester UTRA for two separate projects with two different faculty sponsors?

One of the goals of the UTRA Review Committee is to have every undergraduate at Brown have at least one undergraduate research experience. Application for a second UTRA—whether for the summer or the semester—will be reviewed with this goal in mind. Students can apply for a Summer and a Semester UTRA, but students who are applying for their first UTRA will be given priority.

(top of page)

Can I apply for Fall and Spring Semester UTRAs?

Right now, students can apply for both the Fall and Spring UTRAs, but the research projects must be either completely separate or defined in specific phases so that the need for the continuation of the UTRA is compelling. While the project is in the Pilot stage, we will be reviewing this aspect of the UTRA process and the decision to allow students to apply for consecutive UTRAs might change based on need and availability of awards.

(top of page)

What do I turn in at the end of the award period?

Faculty generally require an end-of-summer report on the work or a completed paper. An on-line evaluation is also sent to UTRA awardees encouraging them to give feedback on the program. The feedback is in three parts: 1) a summary of the project, 2) a brief report, and 3) responses to several survey questions.

(top of page)

If I receive an UTRA for the summer, will I have on-campus housing over the summer?

On-campus housing is NOT available to UTRA recipients. Students generally sublet apartments in the Providence area for the summer.

(top of page)