Haas Scholars Undergraduate Research Program

Each year, the Haas Scholars Program creates opportunities for 20 academically talented, financial-aid eligible undergraduates to engage in a sustained research, field-study or creative project --often a senior honors thesis/project, in the summer before and during their final year ar semester at UCB. Benefits: *a $3800 summer 2008 stipend, plus a $200 completion stipend, *up to $3,600 in acadmic year stipend to reduce the necessity for work or further loan indebtedness during the final year/semester *up to $5000 for major and minor expenses associated with a research, field-study or creative project launched in the summer before the final year/semester *the opportunity to develop a close mentoring relationship with a faculty sponsor *membership in a close-knit intellectual community of Haas Scholars and mentors *participation in a series of coordinated intellectual enrichment events and activities *assistance and advising regarding application to graduate and professional school, as well as other advanced study and research opportunities *opportunity to present the results of the research. Hass Scholar commitment: Haas Scholars must work full-time on their projects during the Summer 2008 (no courses or employment allowed except by explicity permission of t program staff), should not be employed during the academic year, and should participate full in the programs's activities, including the Retreat (June 3-7), a weekly Friday (12-2) colloquium during Fall 2008 and the Spring Conference, tentatively scheduled for May 1-2 2009. Must also register for units in conjunction with the research project. Haas Scholar mentor eligibility and commitment: Haas Scholar mentors must be ladder faculty members (this usually means their official title is Professor, Associate Professor, or Assistant Professor). Exemptions may be granted in some circumstances by the Program Office. Mentors are expected to attend required events. In recognition of their time commitment, they receive a $1,500 stipend, or $3,000 for the library or graduate fellowship support. Selection: An interdisciplinary Faculty Advisor Board selects 20 outstanding students, from among the pool of up to 100 qualified applicants, based on the applicants' academic potential and preparation, their opportunity for good guidance, and the merit and originality of their proposed research, field-study or creative project. HOW DO I GET STARTED: Now is the time to begin planning your 2008/09 application. A good proposal requires multiple rounds of feedback from your mento and revision as well as ample supporting documentation. You are urged to attend the workshops "Getting Started in Undergraduate Research," and "How to Write a Research Proposal." You are also strongly encouraged to confirm your eligibility and seek individual advising as soon as possible with the Program Coordinator, Leah Carroll (643-5374: haas_scholars@learning.berkeley.edu, 345 Campbell Hall). To request an appointment, please email her with your available times for about four days.