CLAS is looking for proposals from undergraduate students who are currently engaged in research to apply for the following funding opportunity for Spring 2027. Please share this information with undergraduate majors and faculty mentors in your departments.

John and Elsie Mae Ferentz Undergraduate Research Fund provides financial support to junior or senior CLAS undergraduate students who are currently registered for a research project, honors in the major, guided independent study, research-based capstone course, or BFA project. Students are eligible to receive the funds during the semester they are registered for the research project.

Proposals must be made in advance of the need.

Funding details

• Four to six awards of $1,000-$1,500. 

Eligibility

• Students must register for a research project, honors in the major, guided independent study, research-based capstone course, or for the BFA project during the spring semester. CLAS Scholarships will follow up with students not enrolled; it is expected that students enroll in a timely manner or funds may be reallocated. 
• The project must be supported by a CLAS faculty member (as a mentor, advisor, or other capacity). 
• Minimum 3.33 UI cumulative GPA.
• Junior or Senior CLAS Students, enrolled primarily in a CLAS degree granting program and seeking their first undergraduate degree.
• Student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 s.h. during semester of award.
• Students cannot have current funding for research activities (i.e., in the semester applying for funding – Spring 2027). 
• Current ICRU fellows are not eligible. Former fellows are eligible to apply.

Application process

(1) Student submits the following via email to clas-schol-apply@uiowa.edu: 

1. Their name, university ID number, and the name of their faculty mentor.
2. A one-page (maximum) description of the project including specific information on how the requested funds will advance the student's research or creative goals.

(2) CLAS faculty mentor submits via email to clas-schol-apply@uiowa.edu: 

• Confirmation that the student will be doing research under their guidance and a short statement of endorsement of the student and the research project (this does not need to be a formal letter of recommendation).

Applications will be accepted on an individual basis. Please note that this is a change from last year, due to increased demand for funding.

Deadline for proposals

• Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis, subject to fund availability. The final deadline is January 29th, 2027.

Disbursements

• CLAS UP will arrange for the disbursement of funds from the award directly to the student's account. If the student receives financial aid from the UI Office of Student Financial Aid, the scholarship award could affect their other financial aid. If it does, the UI Office of Student Financial Aid will notify the student of any changes. We encourage students to contact OSFA with a any questions.

Proposals should be submitted electronically to clas-schol-apply@uiowa.edu. Questions can be sent to clas-scholarships@uiowa.edu.