Riley Research Awards

1. A narrative proposal, no more than 1,000 words (approximately 4 double-spaced word processed pages) in length. The narrative should describe:
   • the proposed research,
   • the goals of the work or field school,
   • the field methods that will be used, or the sources of information that will be analyzed, or any other significant resources that will be consulted,
   • the timeline for completion of the project,
   • the applicant’s background that prepares him/her to conduct the work, and
   • the significance of the endeavor to the student’s academic program.
2. (Optional) A detailed budget and budget justification that clearly outline and explain research expenses. NOTE: A budget is not necessary in all cases. Please submit a budget if you wish to request up to $500 in research-related expense reimbursement. The budget should be comprehensive, specific, and reasonable. All costs should be relevant and essential to the project and be justified in the budget narrative.  In general, budgets demonstrating frugality will be more competitive (e.g., shared accommodations, use of public transportation).
3. A statement identifying other funding sources to which the student has applied, and other funding sources that have been awarded for the project. If you expect to request or receive funding from more than one source, make sure to detail what expenses will be covered by the Riley Research Award in distinction to other sources.
4. A current Bowdoin transcript (print-out from Polaris is acceptable).
5. A letter of recommendation from the faculty member who has agreed to supervise or sponsor the project. The recommendation should address the feasibility of the project, the applicant’s preparation, and the importance of the project to the student’s academic career. Faculty should email their letter directly to the Sociology Academic Department Coordinator.
6. A letter of acceptance, or a letter of invitation, from the organization where the applicant will be conducting research. (Only necessary for those applicants who will be participating in a field school or working directly with an organization other than Bowdoin College.)
7. Should an award be granted, recipients using human or animal subjects must show Institutional Review Board approval of the project’s research methods before funds will be released.

Funding from External Sources

If a student receives full funding for the project from another source, the student is expected to decline the department’s award. If the student receives partial funding from another source, the student will agree to a reduction of the department’s award unless the other funding supports a different component of the project or is necessary for its full funding.

Housing

Students who are in good disciplinary standing with the College are eligible to stay in campus housing during the summer.  If you elect to live in campus housing over the summer, the College will cover the $700 cost and you will not pay rent. (Please note that for some students this benefit may be taxable).  Students who live off-campus, whether by choice or due to their standing with the Office of the Dean of Students, will not receive any support for their housing costs.

Submission and Presentation 

Upon their return to campus award recipients will submit a pdf of the final report required by Student Fellowships and Research click here for instructions to the Sociology Department Chair.  Award recipients will also participate in the President's Summer Research Symposium during Family Weekend each fall. Students will receive e-mails with particulars about participating in the Symposium and the deadline for submitting abstracts about the student's research and creativity.

Students who do not complete outlined work should contact the department chair to discuss what portion of the award should be returned. Students who fail to submit a report detailing the work they did, and/or fail to present at the President's Summer Research Symposium during Family Weekend in the fall are expected to return their award. Failure to handle money, receipts, and reports appropriately may impact the student’s ability to receive future funding from the College.