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CUSP FAQ

Do I have to research with a Columbia faculty member?

Your main sponsor must be a permanent Columbia University faculty member, but you are encouraged to have additional sponsors and are certainly welcome to have a secondary sponsor from another university. If you have a research advisor who is not a professor at an accredited institution, please see a CUSP Advisor before submitting your application.

Departments: 

Is it possible to do independent projects in a group?

Yes, funding has been applied to group projects in the past, but each member will need to submit their own separate application. Make sure you discuss this with your GSM to verify each member has an equitable role and deliverable.

Departments: 

If an internship is paid, would the intern still be eligible for SEF funding?

Yes, both low-paying and unpaid opportunities are eligible for the supplemental funding to help offset the related expenses.

Departments: 

Can I apply to this fellowship if I have not secured an internship/research position by the deadline?

Scholars without secured internships can still apply for the internship fellowship, and should list in the application all of the internships they have applied for. Scholars are required to inform the CUSP office by May 30th to provide an update on what internship was finally secured for the summer. Please speak with a CUSP Advisor if this applies to you.

Departments: 

How does an SEF work with summer classes?

If you wish to take an unrelated summer class at the same time as your summer project, be mindful that the pace of summer classes is accelerated, and you should beware of the potential of overcommitment, as well as check with your internship supervisor or PI whether additional commitments are permitted.

Departments: 

If I get an internship abroad, will my airfare be paid?

All grants are based on availability of funds. Please note that CUSP cannot guarantee that you will receive the full amount that you requested.

Departments: 

Will my full requested amount be approved?

Students should not expect SEF funds to cover all expenses of their summer opportunity. This is a partial fellowship, and funding is dependent on the SEF budget, the number of applicants, and the individual needs of each applicant. Thus we cannot guarantee up front that we will be able to approve all fellows for their full requested amount.

Departments: 

How will my Recommender or Faculty Sponsor submit their SEF Recommendation or Faculty Support Form?

Upon completing your online application, you will receive a confirmation email verifying your application submission.  Within the email, there will be an electronic link that you will send to your Recommender or your Faculty Sponsor so that they can submit a recommendation form on your behalf.  Please make note of the deadline for the Recommender and Facutly Support forms and let your contacts know as well.

Departments: 

Can I apply as a senior?

No. Currently this fellowship is only for Scholars in their first, sophomore, and junior summers.

Departments: 

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