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University of Florida

CLAS University Scholars Program

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) sponsors an annual college-wide undergraduate research award, the CLAS University Scholars Program (USP). With the support of CLAS’s experiential learning center, Beyond120, and the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR), the CLAS USP gives undergraduate students an opportunity to work one-on-one with a CLAS faculty member on a student-led research project. Through this program, CLAS University Scholars gain valuable insights into how to perform research and create new knowledge. They will also have access to unique research-focused programming, networking opportunities, and professionalization resources.

Program Details and Responsibilities

  • Student award stipend of $1,750, disbursed in two installments ($750 in September and $1,000 in January).
  • Faculty mentors receive a $500 award to help defray the costs of student research.
  • After accepting the award in the spring, students begin research the following fall and spring semesters.
  • CLAS University Scholars should participate in Beyond120’s research-related events and are strongly encouraged to complete Beyond120’s Experiential Scholars Program.
  • CLAS University Scholars must follow the requirements and deadlines announced by UF’s Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR). Some of the key requirements include:
    • Year-long participation in CUR’s USP Canvas course (non-credit bearing).
    • Maintain enrolment in fall and spring semester departmental research courses (summer is optional for USP).
    • Mid-point survey at the end of the fall semester.
    • Presentation and publication requirements.
    • Present their research results at the University of Florida spring Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Eligibility

  • While CLAS majors are given preference, CLAS minors and students with CLAS faculty mentors are also encouraged to apply.
  • Students are responsible for finding a faculty mentor within a CLAS department, center, or program.
  • Students should be aware that USP application deadlines vary. Because each department, center, and program controls their own USP application process, each student must confirm their mentor’s deadline.
  • Students submit their application package to the person designated by their mentor’s department, center, or program.

Application Packages

Complete application packages include three things:

  • A fully-completed application cover sheet (PDF) (Please do not submit incomplete application cover sheets).
  • A 500-word research description or proposal written by the student (word count does not include reference list).
  • A letter of support from your faculty mentor.

Instructions for USP Coordinators

In one email, departmental USP coordinators should clearly label and rank their juried set of application packages and send them to beyond120@clas.ufl.edu and mchatfield@ufl.edu by Tuesday, February 9, 2027. Winning applicants and mentors will be notified in March.

Semester Checklist for the Current CLAS USP Cohort

All undergraduate researchers in the CLAS USP must follow the requirements and deadlines set by UF’s Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR). Please read the USP welcome packet sent by CUR.

In addition to CUR’s university-wide requirements for all USP students, CLAS’s experiential learning center, Beyond120, offers additional professional development opportunities and extra support for CLAS USP researchers.

In other words, your USP Canvas course provides you with CUR’s resources. Additionally, Beyond120 encourages you to take advantage of the following opportunities each semester:

Summer

  • Read each email and Canvas announcement from the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) and make notes for each requirement and deadline.
  • Study the Beyond120 website and join our Canvas page.
  • Schedule meetings with your mentor and plan for each step of your research.

Fall

  • Read each email and Canvas announcement from the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) and make notes for each requirement and deadline.
  • Study the Beyond120 website and keep up with our Canvas page.
  • Attend the CLAS USP orientation at Beyond120 in September.
  • Take advantage of the Beyond120 Canvas skills modules and the Experiential Scholars program.
  • Book a meeting with Dr. Chatfield or any other Beyond120 advisor.
  • Help with the CLAS USP info session and research proposal writing workshop in November.
  • Attend Beyond120 workshops, events, or excursions.
  • Discuss publication and presentation opportunities with your mentor and make a plan.

Spring

  • Read each email and Canvas announcement from the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) and make notes for each requirement and deadline.
  • Book a meeting with Dr. Chatfield or any of the other Beyond120 advisors.
  • Attend the CLAS USP panel discussion in April and any other Beyond120 workshops, events, or excursions.

CLAS Contact

Beyond120 beyond120@clas.ufl.edu