As part of the OURS Summer Scholar Programs, each scholar is required to make a formal presentation at Student Scholars Day. Many scholars and their mentors will also continue on to make formal presentations, or present papers at regional, national, and international conferences.

In addition to these presentations, scholars are obligated to write a final report. This report is inclusive of program reflections, as well as a formal academic paper. Please note the guidelines below. 

 Individual Development Plan (IDP)

Showcase Abstract

Narrative Program Reflection

Final Project Report

SWS Credit for SSP

GVSU Summer Scholars Showcase Abstract Submission

Scholars are expected to provide an abstract prior to Showcase, and make either an oral or poster presentation at Showcase. The SSD website has useful information on how to create an abstract, poster presentation, printing a poster, or oral presentation for Showcase.

SHOWCASE ABSTRACTS: Please note, abstracts are limited to 1000 characters (yes, that includes spaces). This does not include your title, author, or mentor names; only the abstract itself.

Submit your Abstract

Abstracts DUE July 10, 2023

Printing a Poster for Showcase

OURS will cover the $25 cost of printing your poster for the GVSU Summer Scholars Showcase. Further printing costs for outside conference presentations will come from your dissemination funds. Be sure to include the OURS logo on your poster.

Please follow these steps:

• Contact OURS for approval
• OURS will give your name to the IT Help Desk to cover the cost
• Bring your poster file to the Atrium Level (bottom floor) of the Mary Idema Pew Library
• Ask the IT Help Desk employees for assistance with printing your poster on the plotter
• The plotter is located on the Atrium Level (bottom floor) of the Mary Idema Pew Library and is available anytime the IT Help Desk is staffed (which should be all open hours of the Library)

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Narrative Program Reflection

Each student should reflect on their summer research experience and how it relates to their liberal education, as well as their program of study. A self reflection of your learning, as well as a reflection of the mentoring from your faculty member should be included. This reflection should be a minimum of 1000 words.

Submit your Summer Scholars Program Narrative through the Online Form

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Final Project Report

Submission Procedure

• Submit manuscript/report in PDF through the online form.
• Submit your abstract to ScholarWorks by emailing it to [email protected] and cc [email protected], including the ScholarWorks Agreement completed and signed by scholar and mentor. You may choose to load your full manuscript into ScholarWorks, but it is not a program requirement.

Summer Scholars Program Manuscript/Final Report Submission

Summer Scholars Program Manuscript/Final Project Report Extension Request

Extension Requests
If you are planning to request an extension on your Final Paper or Budget, you must submit your reason for the request(s) and your new proposed timeline by 5:00 p.m. on the Extension Request Deadline date (as found on the Program Schedule page). Submit your request through the online form.

Abstract
The abstract is a brief summary of your paper in about 250 words. The purpose of your research needs to be communicated in one to two sentences. For empirical research, also include a statement about the methodology used or the experimental design followed. The abstract should conclude with several sentences summarizing the primary results and conclusions. For papers in the humanities, include a statement regarding the major thesis and a sentence for each of the primary ideas explained in the paper. Be sure to check with your mentor about what is common practice in your field.

Research Paper Length
Each final paper should be of publishable quality. Generally, papers are between 1500 and 4000 words, including references. There is no limit on the number of figures and tables in a paper, though professional standards apply. Please note that humanities and social science papers tend to be much lengthier. Consult with your faculty mentor about the appropriate length for your discipline.

Research Format
Papers should conform to the manuscript and documentation format appropriate to the student's discipline (APA, IEEE, MLA, CBE, Chicago, etc.), including the labeling and construction of figures and tables.

References (Works Cited)
All sources referred to (or cited) in your paper must be listed at the end. The format used for this listing should reflect common practice in your field.

Plans for Dissemination
All plans for conferences, presentations, or publication must be included as part of the final report. Submission to Grand Valley State University's Institutional Repository, Scholar Works, is required. You may submit your entire Final Project Report, or your abstract.

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