INTRODUCTION

  Overview

The WUCSI program is based on a WU Innovation Grant proposal written by WU faculty Joanne Altman, Michael Russell, Stephen Angel, and Bruce MacTavish. It was funded by April 2003 action by the WU Board of Regents.

WU CSI's vision at Washburn University is to expand the culture of undergraduate creative and scholarly work. The opportunity to conduct independent projects at Washburn University provides students with a rigorous liberal arts education and individualized instruction, typical of small teaching institutions, and the opportunity to perform independent work and projects, typical of large universities. The opportunity for undergraduates to perform independent creative work is also consistent with the University's commitment to individual achievement and its mission to "prepare individuals for careers and...for continuous learning."

Engagement in independent creative and scholarly work enriches the student's educational experience. Student productivity:

• allows for the application of knowledge that has been gained in the classroom,
• enhances confidence,
• promotes student-faculty interactions,
• provides exploration into the professional side of the discipline, and
• makes the student more competitive for graduate school and post-graduate employment.

Students see their ideas develop into finished professional works and realize potential that they may have never expected. Therefore, the primary purpose of these grants is to provide the funds necessary for conducting and presenting independent creative and scholarly activity. For instance, a chemistry student may need to purchase solvents or compounds. A psychology student may require computer software or a measurement instrument. An art student may need to purchase materials for a project. The opportunity for support of student scholarly work can provide a pivotal experience for Washburn University students.

  Semester Projects

Students can receive monies to purchase supplies, equipment, or resources needed for productive independent work. The proposed project must be student driven, original, and faculty supervised. Furthermore, the funded project must represent more than a class assignment unless it is part of a capstone project that reflects advanced scholarly or creative activity. Students can also request monies for the opportunity to present their final product (e.g., travel expenses, conference/meeting registration). Funds are non-competitive and awarded on a first come, first serve basis per year by a select committee. Students will also be required to submit a brief follow-up report at the completion of the project and be encouraged to present their results at Washburn's annual Apeiron.

To view a list of the student's awarded travel or project support grants, click HERE.

  Summer Grants

Separate from semester projects, students can also apply for summer stipends. The purpose of these stipends is to allow the student to focus on independent, creative endeavors at Washburn University or its vicinity as a summer-long project, without sacrificing the opportunity to earn money during the summer months. Projects supported by summer stipends cannot be used to earn course credit, or in conjunction with other paid employment. Summer stipends will also be awarded on a non-competitive first come, first serve basis and will be reviewed and approved by a committee. It is permissible to use some of the awarded money can be used to purchase project materials. Students are expected to present some aspect of their summer work in a presentation forum at the end of the summer and submit a brief follow-up report at the completion of their project. Applications for summer grants will not be accepted beyond April 14th. <<< NOTE the change in date.

CONGRATULATIONS to the recipients of the 2006 summer stipends!!!

Alexandra Blasi

Rebecca Bumgarner

Adrienne Halpin

Von Elton Hansen

Emily Huelskamp

Shelly Hulinsky

Julie Huyberechts

Lieschen Mast

Amy Puderbaugh

Kristin Ranum

Angela Swihart

April Tallerico

Ronnie Worden

Kassandra Williams

Nicholas Wilson

 

To view a brief summary of the student's research, click on the student's name below:

Summer 2005 summer stipend recipients (click name to see a summary of the student's research):

Paul Arterburn
Alan Eisman
Jessica Halpin
Ryan Hoye  Score
Aaron Keller
Vicky Luttrell
Lieschen Mast
Hannah Miller
Amy Puderbaugh
Lance Quilling
Matt Scrivner
Erica Seago
Leah Sewell
Ty Walrod

Summer 2004 summer stipend recipients (click name to see a summary of the student's research):

Jeremy Ellison
Allison Liska
Fred Hollingshead
Jo Marie Rozzelle
Zeb Kramer

  Questions?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the WU CSI Director, Joanne Altman in any of the following ways:
 

email:	joanne.altman@washburn.edu
regular mail:	Washburn Undergraduate Creative and Scholarly Innovation (WU CSI) Grant Program Office Henderson 211 Washburn University 1700 SW College Avenue Topeka, Ks 66621
telephone:	(785) 231-1010 x 1566

  Application Forms:
(***NOTE: Support is ONLY available for matriculating, undergraduate students presently and continuously enrolled at Washburn University.***)

Project Support (NO MORE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE; Granting period has expired.)
Travel Support (NO MORE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE; Granting period has expired.)
Summer Stipend (NO MORE SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE; Granting period has expired.)