College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Academics

The URP Selection Committee uses this rubric to evaluate your application packet (MAXIMUM POINTS = 45). Be sure to read the Hints for Applicants before completing your application. 

Project Description (10 points maximum)

• Student demonstrates excellent understanding of the scope of the project through their narrative. Project description includes problem statement, objectives, approach, anticipated outcomes, and how the student’s work relates to the overall research goals of the mentor. (7-10 points)
• Project description includes original input from the student that is supplemented by “copy and paste” text from other sources, such as a faculty grant proposal or previously published descriptions. Student shows effort in describing objectives and anticipated outcomes but there is one or more component missing from the narrative. (4-6 points)
• Project description relies heavily on "copy and paste" text from other sources. Little effort is made to include the required components or explain why your proposed work is unique and relevant. (1-3 points)

Statement of Benefits (10 points maximum)

• Student understands that the question refers to professional development, describing what skills and knowledge they hope to acquire through the experience, how the experience will complement their academic program, and how participation will prepare them for their future plans. (7-10 points)
• Student makes some connection between this experience and their professional development, but their narrative lacks detail or fails to include one of the three components described above. (4-6 points)
• Student makes little connection between this experience and their professional development and future plans. (1-3 points)

Plans to Present Research Results (10 points maximum)

• Student describes a clear plan to present at UURAF and at least one other venue within 12 months of the proposed project end date, including approximate date of each presentation (if known) and type of presentation (poster vs. oral). (7-10 points)
• Student includes at least two proposed presentations but does not provide sufficient details such as dates or type of presentation (poster vs. oral), or they do not include a specific plan for presenting at UURAF. (4-6 points)
• Student's plan includes one proposed presentation with limited details. (1-3 points)

Budget (10 points maximum)

• Budget adheres to the URP guidelines and includes a detailed explanation for exactly how the funds will be used. In their reference form, the faculty mentor clearly describes any additional funding sources and amounts that will supplement the URP (if applicable), demonstrating that the project is financially feasible. (7-10 points)
• Budget adheres to the URP guidelines but does not include a detailed explanation for how the funds will be used and a detailed statement from the faculty mentor either describing additional sources of funding or confirming that the project is financially feasible without additional funding. (4-6 points)
• Budget does not adhere to URP guidelines or there is no explanation of the budget. (1-3 point)

Letter of Recommendation from Faculty Mentor (5 points maximum)

• Mentor provides strong support for the applicant in their reference form and letter of recommendation; knows applicant from previous work experience or class performance; sees potential for applicant to continue in research; mentions positive characteristics that make a good match for the project and team. (4-5 points)
• Mentor uses boilerplate language in their recommendation, supplemented with some detail specific to the student. (3 points)
• Mentor provides very little evidence to support that they know the applicant; uses only boilerplate language; provides no details on applicant’s possible contributions to project and team. (1-2 points)