Basic Outline of the Proposal

Itemized list of Proposal Parts

  1. Off-Campus Proposal Cover Sheet, legibly completed in dark pen with advisor's signature approving the final draft.
  2. Off-Campus Check List Form.
  3. First Page of Proposal includes Header with student name, advisor at UM-Flint, Off-Campus destination and university or group, Off-campus advisor or supervisor, and project title.  See samples.

 

Formatting the Proposal

  1. Running head, upper right corner of page Your Last Name and Page Number.
  2. Numbered headings for each section and sub section of the proposal.  See samples.
  3. The proposal itself.  See below for structure
  4. Bibliography/References/Works Cited according to the format required by your discipline.
  5. Budget on Excel file completed.

 

Structure of the Proposal

  1. Summary providing the wider context of the topic, discussing the destination, and planned trip.
  2. Introduction of the topic.  This may also include definitions, a history of the topic or other headings depending on the nature of the off-campus study.
  3. Overview of the institute or program in case of study abroad. Include courses provided, description of the size and history of the institute or program, and information about the director etc.
  4. Summary of the context of the research, providing general information about the entire area of research.
  5. Overview of specific previous research with documented summaries of previous studies so that you can show the point of departure for the study you will be completing. This is called a literature review. It approaches the topic historically to show the history of research on the subject.
  6. Discussion of the mentor’s previous work, publication as applicable.
  7. Discussion of project itself. This should be an in depth discussion of the actual project. Divide into subheadings for reader comprehension and comfort.
  8. If you do not yet know the specific project, you will need a brief discussion of several areas that you could be researching.  These areas will be based on the current research or focus of the professor or institute or internship.
  9. Methods will need to be included for scientific studies, specifying the techniques you will be using, or will need to learn in order to complete the work you will be contributing to the wider study.
  10. My role in the project. Specify what you will be doing.
  11. Objectives will sum up what you expect to accomplish.  This always includes the writing of your thesis, or the product of your thesis and your intention to present.

 

Structure for Internships and Study Abroad Programs

  1. The first part of your proposal will include a description of the institute or program, as indicated above.
  2. The second part of the proposal will describe a research project you plan to undertake.  The topic of the research project should be in your field and can be releated specifically to the internship or study abroad program.  See description of internships.

Honors Scholar Program