Undergraduate Library Research Award (ULRA): FAQ

Q: Does my project have to be completed as part of a course?

A: No. The submission can be research paper or research-based project for a credit course at OSU or for OSU faculty-sponsored independent research. This includes OSU undergraduate research programs such as the Wentz, Niblack, McNair, OK-LSAMP, and Freshmen Research Scholar programs.

Q: Can I submit an incomplete project?

A: Yes. However, you will be competing against completed projects, and we use the same criteria for everyone.

Q: I am an OSU-Tulsa/OKC/IT student.  Am I eligible for the award?

A: OSU-Tulsa students are eligible for this award. OSU-OKC and OSU IT students are not eligible.

Q: I'm an NOC-OSU Gateway Student. Can I submit a project?

A: Probably not at this point. You must be an enrolled OSU undergraduate (see above) at the time of our deadline and your research must have occurred as part of an OSU course or under the supervision of an OSU faculty member. Our library is still open and available to you, though!

Q: I completed a project as a member of a group. Is it eligible for submission?

A: Yes, any of the group's members may apply individually, but each member's application materials and essay must make her/his role and responsibilities for the project clear. What were your unique contributions to the project and how did the collaboration affect your research strategy? Each submission will be evaluated separately.

Q: I co-authored a paper with my professor. Is it eligible for submission?

A: Yes, but your application materials and essay must make your role and responsibilities for the project clear. What were your unique contributions to the project and how did the collaboration affect your research strategy? Your faculty sponsor must provide supporting evidence in their support form, as well.

Questions? Contact Holly Luetkenhaus.

Q: How are you going to evaluate my project, reflection and bibliography?

A: A team of librarians, faculty and staff will use a rubric. You can take a look at our criteria and some tips for writing your reflective essay and bibliography.

Q: I used resources that aren't from OSU libraries...is that OK?

A: Of course. We have access to a ton of information, but no single library, database, website or search engine can provide you with everything you need. Roam! Be Free! Explain why you needed to venture out to find good information. It's all part of the process we want you to detail and reflect upon.

Questions? Contact Holly Luetkenhaus.

Q: How do I submit my application materials?

A: See our page on the application process.

Q: How long do my project and reflective essay need to be?

A: The project can be any length. Whatever your professor required works for us. The essay, however, must be limited to 500 words and double-spaced.

Q: How should faculty submit their support form?

A: You can contact your faculty member and provide them with the link to our faculty info page:

http://info.library.okstate.edu/researchaward/faculty

Q: How do I know if I am an upperclassman or lowerclassman?

A: Upperclassmen (juniors/seniors) have passed 60 or more credit hours as of the application deadline. Underclassmen have passed fewer than 60 credit hours as of the application deadline. You will submit an up-to-date unofficial transcript as part of your application, so use this to tell how many hours you have passed as of the deadline.

Questions? Contact Holly Luetkenhaus.

Q: How will the awards be disbursed?

A: Award payments will be made to your bursar account.

Q: When will the award payment be made?

A: The payment should be made by the end of the semester.

Q: When will I know if I won or not?

A; Winners will be notified in April.

Questions? Contact Holly Reiter.