Sample Proposals and Tips

• Find a faculty mentor who can advise you on your project over the dates of the program. If you’re unsure exactly what you want to do, discussions with one or more professors in your field can help you identify and refine a topic.
• Faculty don't need to be in your exact discipline, especially if your project has interdisciplinary qualities.
• Librarian faculty are also available and excited to mentor SURF projects.
• In consultation with your faculty mentor, develop a project proposal that explains the purpose of the project, the intended methodology, and a timeline for your work (which must be completed by the end of the program).

Your project proposal should:

• Be written for a broad, cross-disciplinary audience using clear, accessible language.
• Explain both the overall significance of the project and your specific goals, methods, and approach.
• Highlight any relevant coursework, research, creative work, or other experience that prepares you for the project.
• Include a timeline demonstrating that the project can be completed during the eight-week, full-time (40 hours per week) SURF program.
• Include a project budget, if needed, for materials, laboratory or art supplies, or other project-specific expenses. Budgets typically average around $400 and generally range from $0–$700. SURF funds cannot be
• used for travel, food or refreshments, or office supplies, and all requested expenses must be essential to completing the project. Be sure to develop your budget in consultation with your faculty mentor.
• Please limit your project narrative to 2–3 single-spaced pages.

Need inspiration? Review the sample proposals from both the humanities and STEM disciplines below.

We're lucky to have a few examples of successful project proposals from SURF alumni.   Check out examples of proposals from the Arts, Humanities, and STEM disciplines that translated into very productive 8-week SURF projects.  You must be logged into your SMCM account to view the examples below.