Support for Undergraduate Research
Commensurate with our small class sizes and commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching and learning, undergraduate research is a top priority at the University of Mary Washington. Such research may take a variety of forms, but one that is common to all Honors scholars is the required capstone research or creative project, generally completed in a student’s final year at UMW.
Honors scholars may also request funding for undergraduate research or creative projects through application for a CAS undergraduate grant, a process that helps professionalize grant-writing skills. Most students who are granted funding will use it for their capstone project, perhaps to access unique software or technology, lab supplies, or books and materials. It may also be used for travel to archives, museums, or geographic sites of interest for the research or to support travel and expenses for presenting the work at a professional venue like a conference. The purpose of this funding, like the capstone project itself, is to open richer opportunities for self-directed exploration and learning.