Eligibility
Students who are seeking UAF funding to support a summer internship or research project should be aware of the following UAF application eligibility guidelines:
- Juniors and sophomores are eligible to apply for funding; first year students are eligible to apply to the HHMI Cascade Mentoring Program only
- Students may apply for funding for an unpaid internship or research project, or to off-set expenses for a partially supported project.
- Students who propose projects between 8-12 weeks will likely receive a standard award of $3,000 (domestic projects) or $3,500 (overseas projects); projects under eight weeks will likely be considered for a standard award of $1,500 (domestic) or $2,000 (international). Some MHC coordinated opportunities provide different award amounts based on the needs of the program, see Participating Programs for a complete list.
- If your project is partially supported by a stipend or wages from an outside source, you are still eligible for a fellowship to support the expenses that will not covered by the outside source (up to the standard award amount).
- Applicants previously funded through the UAF are not eligible to apply. The only exception is for students currently applying to the HHMI program.
- Students must be in good academic standing at the time of their application and at the beginning of their project. Students may apply for funding if they are studying abroad or on a leave from the college; however, funding will be awarded with the understanding that the student will return to Mount Holyoke College in the fall. Students who are not returning to the college in the fall are not eligible to apply for UAF summer funding.
- It is imperative that applicants disclose all information pertaining to whether or not they will be paid or receive any type of support from an internship or research provider, with amounts, on the Universal Application Form. Failure to disclose such information will be considered a violation of the College’s honor code. If a student’s situation changes after the UAF application has been submitted, she is responsible for notifying the individual program or funding department that issued her award and it may result in a modified award. Examples of a changed situation after the submission of the UAF may include: additional funding received by the student from another source; a change in the internship/research location; or a change in the hours or duration of the project., etc.
- Applicants must complete and submit two forms by hard copy to the CDC by mail to: Mount Holyoke College, Career Development Center, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01007 or by fax to: 413-538-2081, by February 24, 2012, by 5 pm in order finalize the UAF application. To access these forms, go to UAF Application Form & Instructions.
- Generally the UAF does not provide funding for payment of tuition or fees to third-party providers of internship or research opportunities, except in specific circumstances where the best or only opportunities are available through a third-party provider. Students requesting such funding must provide a rationale for using UAF funding to pay a third-party provider, over other options, to achieve her academic or professional objectives. In these cases, the UAF committee may consider a student’s transportation, housing or meal expenses separately from third party fees or tuition.
- Specific programs and funding sources (e.g., Yale SURF or WEED) who participate in the UAF may have their own eligibility requirements and selection criteria. Read more about participating programs.
- Although students may indicate the funding sources to which their proposal is best suited, the committee will at its own discretion match proposals with funding sources or programs in order to make the fullest use of all available funds to support the most promising proposals.