Appalachian State University supports the concept of a healthy, just, and sustainable society. We believe that humans can enhance their well-being through the sustainable use of economic, natural and human resources. These grants available for $500 for a single student project or $1,000 for a student group initiative focused on the topic of creating a healthy, just and sustainable society. All currently enrolled Appalachian undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing are eligible to apply. The Creating a Healthy, Just and Sustainable Society Student Research Grants are not designed to cover the costs associated with class projects, class assignments or any activities that are associated with a traditional "in the classroom" course. The Creating a Healthy, Just and Sustainable Society Student Research Grants are designed to fund costs associated with outside the classroom, faculty-mentored, student-based, research projects or creative endeavors. These grants cannot be used to fund or supplement funding for study-abroad trips, student teaching, training or internships.
Any questions may be directed to the Office of Student Research at weavermk@appstate.edu.
Examples of Student Research and Creative Efforts
Projects supported by this initiative should contribute to our understanding of sustainability and human well-being. The following text provides examples of possible projects, problems or questions:
1) Initiatives to assess, monitor, protect, restore, or conserve our natural environment.
2) Projects that examine energy conservation practices or our willingness to use alternative energy sources, or that broaden our understanding of our use of energy.
3) Projects that explore how public, private and non-profit entities contribute to a healthy, robust, sustainable society.
4) Art forms (music, painting, sculpture, photographs, film, or theater) that convey messages relating to energy conservation; environmental protection; or healthy, just and sustainable communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am in good academic standing?
- Students that are currently (in the semester applying) NOT on academic probation are considered to be in good academic standing.
- Faculty mentors can use their discretion as to whether they will engage in research with a student who has not done well academically. A strong academic background will assist the student in the research process.
Can I use this grant to fund my travel to a conference?
- No, these grants are only designed for research supplies, creative endeavors, or related expenses.
- Students who expect to incur travel expenses related to presenting their research, are encouraged to also apply for a Travel Grant.
Can I use this grant to fund my travel to a research site to collect data?
- Yes, travel to research sites to collect data would be allowed under these grants. However, the anticipated data collection site cannot be located in a country or area where there are safety warnings or sanctions in place.
Important Note: Appalachian State University and OSR cannot fund travel to any countries or areas with U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings. For more information, please see the link to the Alerts and Warnings page. If you have questions about this information, please contact the Director of Education Abroad, Christopher Lytle in the Office of International Education and Development at 828-262-2046.
Grant Requirements
In order to award a grant, the Office of Student Research must have a descriptive Project Title and a detailed Project Description and a detailed Budget Justification. Projects should be discussed and reviewed with the faculty mentor prior to submission. The following are some suggestions for your proposal preparation:
- Discuss and design the proposed research project with your faculty mentor.
- Determine the specific aims, goals or objectives.
- Establish the appropriate study design or methods.
- Decide on the materials needed for the project and obtain specifics regarding cost for each item.
- Explain the purpose of the requested items as they relate to the research question and methods.
- Describe a tentative timeline regarding aspects of the project.
- Make clear how this project contributes to society, creating a clear link to its value in sustainability. This may include discussing the deliverables or outcomes associated with this project.
- If submitting as a group (2 or more students) describe the role each student will play in the project.
- If applicable, prepare the appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB - working with human participants) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC - working with animals) documentation. Please see the following website for further information regarding Research Protections.
To Apply
- Have your faculty mentor (the faculty member who has mentored your research) complete the Online Faculty Recommendation Form. All Faculty Recommendations MUST be submitted using the online Faculty Recommendation Form. Forms will not be accepted through campus mail, email, fax or at the office.
- If applicable, determine the need for IRB, IACUC or IBC approval, as funds cannot be awarded until approval has been submitted to the Office of Student Research. If approved please indicate the protocol number on your application. If your project includes flying Unmanned Aircraft Systems (i.e., drones), please be aware that Appalachian has a process to get permission to fly them on campus. If you are flying them off campus, it is important to make sure you are aware of FAA laws and North Carolina requirements about the use of UAS.
- Submit the Creating a Healthy, Just and Sustainable Society Student Research Grant Application. The deadline for this grant application was Wednesday, November 2, 2016.
Funding
- If your grant involves travel, note that the Creating a Healthy, Just and Sustainable Society Research Grants are awarded as reimbursements, AFTER the trip has occurred, and all receipts have been submitted - NO money is advanced prior to traveling.
- All travel authorizations and reimbursements are administered through the home academic department of the awarded student's Faculty Mentor.
- Original receipts or invoices will be required for reimbursement and all receipts must reflect a zero balance and be in the student's name. Faculty cannot be reimbursed for expenses claimed on any OSR grant application.
- All Research funds MUST be completely expended by the end of the fiscal year in which they are awarded. Research Funding does NOT roll over at the end of each fiscal year (May 15 is the final date for purchases to be made each fiscal year).
- Receipts must be submitted within 30 days of the expenditure and must reflect charges made after the official grant award date.
- Students MUST meet with their departmental administrative assistant and faculty mentor before any money is spent.
- All ASU Policies and Procedures must be adhered to when spending Research Grant monies. Any non-approved expenditures will be the sole responsibility of the student.
Grant Recipient Requirements:
- If possible, students should present their work at the Annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors at Appalachian. This event is held every Spring semester.
- At the completion of the research or creative endeavor, grantees are asked to submit a Final Report that details the project results and conclusions and explains how the award was used.
- Grantees are asked to acknowledge the Office of Student Research on any presentations or publications that result from the activities conducted through the grant.
- At the completion of the research or creative endeavor, please submit a Final Report.
Award Notifications
All Creating a Healthy, Just and Sustainable Society grants have been awarded for the current fiscal year.