Support from donors provides financial assistance to college students who participate in faculty-led research projects.
Faculty-led research experiences are essential for undergraduate degree programs, offering students hands-on experience and research training that can help shape their future career paths.
However, not every student knows how to navigate or has the resources to engage in research, especially in unpaid or low-paid positions.
To address equity gaps in research participation, the University of Dayton offers stipends to undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences who take part in summer research projects with faculty members. The Dean’s Summer Fellowship program has supported numerous students over the past seven years, providing unique learning opportunities that can have a broader impact on the community.
Dean Ericksen, curriculum coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasizes the importance of mentored undergraduate research experiences in helping students pursue new knowledge and collaborate closely with faculty members outside the classroom.
Previous studies have shown that undergraduate research is a high-impact practice that can increase the graduation rates of historically marginalized students, making it crucial for equity efforts. However, students who work during college are less likely to participate in experiential learning due to competing responsibilities and the need to earn income.
To address this disparity, the University of Dayton established the Dean’s Summer Fellowship program to ensure that students from all backgrounds can engage in meaningful research projects.
Under the program, students can receive up to $3,000 for a full summer term of research or $1,500 for half of the summer term. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an academic program in the College of Arts and Sciences and be in good academic standing.
Applications are completed in collaboration with a faculty mentor, who receives a $500 honorarium for their role. Each project focuses on transformative learning, critical thinking, community engagement, and exposure to diverse perspectives and disciplines.
During the fellowship, students commit to working a minimum of 20 hours per week, completing a final report, and presenting their findings in a public forum related to the research topic.
The program is funded by donors through the Dean’s Fund for Excellence, ensuring that students can benefit from these research experiences.
Applications for the fellowship have increased, with a 40% rise in submissions in 2023 compared to the previous year. To streamline the application process, the college developed a new framework that involves reviewing applications within departments and programs.
Since the program’s inception, over 430 students have participated in the Dean’s Summer Fellowship, with an average of 60 students per cohort. The college aims to expand these opportunities with additional donor support in the future.