Arts & Sciences Support for Undergraduate Research Experience (ASSURE)

The College seeks applications for the Arts & Sciences Support for Undergraduate Research Experience (ASSURE) for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters (academic year 2026-2027). This program fosters faculty-student research collaborations whereby undergraduate students engage in thoughtful and progressively sophisticated work that is central to the principal investigator’s overall research program. We particularly welcome proposals that engage lower-division students and students from underrepresented groups. Proposals will be evaluated based on the funding priorities of the ASSURE initiative, including: providing resources to students who see research as key to their overall trajectory at UNM and beyond; for projects that have clear undergraduate researcher outcomes; and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive excellence.

Eligibility

  • The faculty mentor must have a primary appointment in the College of Arts & Sciences.
  • Students must have a declared pre-major or major in an Arts and Sciences academic program and be currently enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours in the College.
  • A student is required to work with their faculty mentor on their application. The student will be required to upload a resource letter from their mentor (explaining the resources that will be available to the student to complete the work).
  • A faculty mentor can apply with a maximum of two undergraduate students; a primary proposal must be identified, and the secondary will only be considered if funds are available.
  • A student researcher is limited to one application with one faculty mentor.
  • This program is open to all departments and programs at the College of Arts & Sciences, and we especially encourage proposals from humanities and social science departments.

Funding

  • The award is for the full academic year, with eight monthly stipends of $400 ($1,600/semester; $3,200/academic year).

Application Instructions

Applicants will need to provide the following:

  • Name, Email, and Banner ID
  • Current Undergraduate Status
  • Anticipated Degree
  • Cumulative GPA
  • Mentor's name, email, and primary department
  • Research Plan - Describe the proposed research question and research plan. This research plan should be discussed with a mentor prior to submission. Limit the plan to 300 words.
  • Career Goals - Applicants will briefly state their career goals, and how this award would contribute to these goals. Limit this statement to 100 words.
  • Mentor Statement - Applicants will upload a statement from a mentor describing how the resources required for the project will be provided (e.g. departmental, extramural grants, in-kind support). Limit this statement to 100 words.

*Note - Once the application is submitted it will require mentor approval. ASSURE Mentors will receive an email asking to review and approve the application. Mentors will need to approve applications by the application deadline.

Terms and Conditions

  • Applying for an ASSURE award does not guarantee funding.
  • Students cannot receive both credit and salary for doing the same work.
  • Students are required to complete interim progress reports before receiving their monthly stipend. Stipends will be deposited into the student's bursar account.
  • Students will submit a final report at the end of the award.
  • Students will present their work at the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference in the spring of 2027.

How to Apply

Proposals must be submitted through InfoReady by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Questions

If you have questions, please email frso4cas@unm.edu