MISSION:
*Provide high-quality research opportunities for undergraduate students
*Develop a normative culture of research for undergraduates within the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs
*Have students contribute to the development of ongoing research products that are of use to the scientific and local communities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Priority will be given to projects that are consistent with the program objectives and research outcomes (e.g., papers, presentations, chapters, grant proposals). Junior faculty have funding priority, though all SSPA are encouraged to apply. It is important to note that a large portion of the funding for the URI is coming from the ORA, which requires us to set a priority on projects that hold the potential to bring in outside research funds. In addition, some funds are set aside for proposals related to research on conflict management and dispute resolution. However, this money may not be awarded if there are no eligible proposals on those topics.

SELECTION CRITERIA:
Two types of projects are considered by a committee of Social Science and Public Affairs faculty members who provide recommendations to the URI Director and, in turn, to the Dean of the college.  The Dean makes all final funding decisions.
*Faculty-sponsored research in which the student serves as a research assistant
*Student-directed research project