The Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs invites undergraduate students to apply for funding to support Immersion Vanderbilt experiences during the summer of 2021.
“Undergraduate research and other forms of experiential learning are central to the university’s mission because they bring faculty and students together in pursuit of discovery,” said Vanessa Beasley, vice provost for academic affairs and dean of residential faculty. “I am delighted the university has increased funding to support undergraduates next summer, especially because the pandemic has required so many of us to change our plans.”
Undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to apply for funding to support experiences that will be the centerpieces of their fulfillment of Immersion Vanderbilt, a degree requirement for undergraduates planning to graduate in 2023 and years after. Due to continued uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, students should note some modifications to this year’s guidelines. For example, instead of applying for funding to support international travel, students are encouraged to explore virtual international opportunities, including research projects, internships and civic engagement, among others.
“Because of this year’s substantial funding availability, we expect many students will use these resources to support experiences at the heart of their immersion project,” said Carolyn Floyd, director of the Office of Immersion Resources. “There are so many incredible programs available for students to participate in summer research and other experiential learning activities. Advisers in the Office of Immersion Resources are available throughout the winter intersession and spring semester to help students draft their project plans and match them to funding opportunities.”
Application processes for the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP), Nichols Humanitarian Fund, and Joe C. Davis Fund open Wednesday, Nov. 18, and will remain open for submissions through the winter intersession. Students interested in applying for VUSRP can register to attend a virtual information session on Nov. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. The link can be found on the Immersion Portal.
Students can learn more about available opportunities on the Office of Immersion Resources’ website. Until further notice, students should plan for all experiential learning and research activities to occur in either a virtual environment or in the student’s home community due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.
For more information about immersion requirements and project support, students can schedule an advising appointment on the immersion portal or contact an immersion adviser at [email protected].
