Appalachian State University supports faculty and students working collaboratively with the community. Community-Based Research encourages projects that engage and enhance an issue within the community. The Office of Academic Civic Engagement and the Office of Student Research (OSR) encourage students and faculty to apply for funding specific to research or creative endeavors conducted with the community. All currently enrolled Appalachian undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing are eligible to apply. Grants are available for up to $500 for a single student or $1000 for a student group of which are working with a faculty mentor and community partner. The Community Based Research Grants are NOT designed to cover costs associated with class projects, class assignments or any activities that are associated with traditional "in the classroom course. These Community Based Research (CBR) Grants are designed to fund costs associated with outside of the classroom, faculty-mentored, student-based research projects or creative endeavors. Funds can be used for research supplies and/or expenses related to the project.
Any questions may be directed to the Office of Student Research at weavermk@appstate.edu.
Examples of Community Based Research
Examples of such projects might include exploring educational policy issues or classroom management techniques while serving at a local public school, comparing southern accents in the novels of William Faulkner with those of clients served at the Hospitality House, investigating the health barriers and needs of residents visiting the Health and Hunger Coalition.
The CBR Research Grant is NOT designed to cover the following:
- Costs associated with class projects, class assignments or any activities that are associated with a traditional "in the classroom" course.
- Stipends/wages to the Community Partner
- Supplement study-abroad trips, student teaching, training or internships
- Food and beverage expenses of any kind and gift certificate/gift card purchases
- MTurk payments
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.
Grant Requirements
In order to justify awarding a research grant, the Office of Student Research must have a descriptive Project Title and a detailed Project Description and Budget Justification. In addition, there must be a, Faculty Mentor Recommendation and discussion of the Intended Community Partner. Projects should be discussed and reviewed with the faculty mentor and community member 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 need and discuss how it addresses a specific community need or interest. List 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 or creative endeavor and methods.
- Described a tentative timeline regarding aspects of the project.
- Define the project team, including student(s) involved, faculty mentor, and community partner(s). All teams must have at least ONE student, ONE faculty mentor and ONE community partner. The team is NOT to exceed six members.
- Determine the intended outcome(s) and discuss how it will be presented to the Community Partner.
- If applicable, prepare the appropriate IRB or IACUC documentation. Please see the website for further information regarding Research Protections.
To Apply
1. Have your Faculty member associated with the CBR project 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.
2. 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.
3. Submit the CBR Office of Student Research Grant Application Form. The deadline for this grant was Wednesday, February 8, 2017.
Award Notifications
All Community Based Research Student Grants have been officially awarded for fiscal year 2016-2017.
Funding
- 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.
- Grantees are asked to acknowledge the Office of Student Research on any presentations or publications that results from the research conducted through the grant.
- At the completion of the research, grantees will be asked to submit a Final Report explaining how the award was used and to acknowledge support from the respective funds in any publications resulting from the research.