Student Summer Independent Research (SSIR)
SSIR grants support rising seniors pursuing their research or creative interest with the mentorship of a faculty member. Depending on the duration of the summer research, SSIR may be eligible for elective credit and/or experiential (EXP) credit. Students should consult their faculty adviser and look for SSIR course options during the summer registration period.
Before applying for SSIR funding, students should propose a topic for their thesis project and describe the proposed work to be accomplished in the summer granting period. Once the research proposal has been written, the student should seek a faculty member to serve as the mentor for the summer months of the project. Typically, the SSIR faculty mentor will also serve as the student's primary thesis advisor during the senior year. SSIR work should not be performed on campus. Therefore, the student researcher should plan to use the grant to support travel and associated expenses to conduct first-hand research or consult libraries or archives.
The SSIR grant provides a stipend for a minimum of four and up to a maximum of ten weeks of summer work. Students requiring additional funding can consult the following offices:
- CIE Summer Grant for international travel and expenses;
- Johnson Opportunity Grant for domestic travel and expenses; or
- Provost's Office if additional funding is not approved.
A successful application should include:
- A two-page (maximum) description of the project and the work to be accomplished during the weeks of the grant;
- A budget plan;
- A supporting statement by the faculty mentor certifying the student's eligibility for the honors thesis; and
- An indication, if it is the case, that you are applying for a Summer Research Scholarship, a Johnson Opportunity grant, or another W&L-funded summer experience.
Students are required to submit a brief report of the summer's accomplishments to the Provost's Office by fall reading days.
Applications are due March 17 to Provost@wlu.edu.