Research and Innovation Grants
How do I apply for a Research and Innovation Grant?
Research and Innovation Grants are awarded by the Office of Admissions at the time of enrollment with the University. To learn more about the program, please review the Office of Admissions Research and Innovation Grants information.
I have a Research and Innovation Grant. What can I use my funds for?
Research and Innovation Grants can be used to attend academic conferences, study abroad, hourly wage for a research position, research equipment or tools, or membership in academic societies. Your funds can not be used to pay for anything that is covered by tuition/financial aid or anything for which you would receive credit.
How do I access my funds?
First, you will need to have a faculty mentor who is aware of your plans to use your funds and is willing to advise you through the proposed project. Then you will need to fill out a Request for Disbursement form which you can also pick up in the Office of Undergraduate Research. On this form, you will be asked to describe your project and provide a budget for the projected use of. It is not necessary that you spend all your funds in one place and/or at one time. You and your faculty mentor will need to sign the form before turning it back into the Office of Undergraduate Research.
All students, regardless of how they wish to use their funds, will be required to fill out a W9 and I9 tax forms. You will need to provide the required documentation for the I9 to the Office of Undergraduate Research.
When should I submit my disbursement forms?
You must submit your request for disbursement at least 30 days before your funds are needed, regardless of how you choose to use your funds.
I’d like to work as a lab research assistant, how much can I pay myself?
Before beginning as a lab research assistant, you and your faculty mentor will need to decide how long you are going to fill the position. For example, you will need to determine how many weeks, how many days per week and how many hours per day you will work. The hourly wage must not exceed the $10 per hour Research and Innovation Grant limit and must be above the minimum wage of the state in which you are working (New York State's minimum wage is currently $7.25/hour). Please be aware that students are not paid for holidays.
