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Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
What is SURE?
SURE is a Summer Undergraduate Research Experience for students interested in graduate school and research/creative work within their discipline or a related discipline. Students potentially interested in research as a career are especially encouraged to apply. Selected students complete research at West Virginia University (WVU) for 8 weeks during the summer under the direction of a WVU faculty research mentor and a graduate or post-doctoral mentor.
Participating students receive a stipend of $5000 and are expected to research full-time (average of 40 hours per week or 320 hours over the course of 8 weeks). Applicants must identify a faculty research mentor upon application to the SURE program. If you need help finding a mentor, please reach out to undergradresearch@mail.wvu.edu to set up an appointment.
All SURE participants will be registered for a one-credit hour research class that
will run for the duration of the program. This course will include online assignments
as well as attendance at periodic workshops and seminars.
All SURE participants are required to pay the
tuition and fees associated with this one-credit hour research class which
vary depending on in-state/out-of-state and by college/school.
Anticipated timeline for SURE 2026: May 26-July 24.
Eligibility
SURE participants must be:
- undergraduates enrolled at a West Virginia higher education institution or a West Virginia state resident enrolled in an out-of-state college or university; and
- college sophomores, juniors, or seniors as of the fall 2026 semester (graduating on or after December 2026)
In SURE 2026, we anticipate supporting approximately 60 students from all disciplines at WVU in engaging research opportunities. We encourage students from every fields, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and STEM, to apply.
NOTE: We are using Survey Monkey Apply for SURE student applications. Students should (i) click on the SURE application link, (ii) Register for an account (unless you already have a WVU Survey Monkey Apply account), (iii) Send verification link and verify email account (if needed), (iv) Apply by completing all 5 parts of the application:
- SURE Student Application
- SURE: Invitation to Self-Identify (optional)
- Short Essay
- Resume Upload
- Transcript Upload
- Letter of Support from your prospective faculty mentor
- Letter of Recommendation from one additional faculty member (optional)
SURE APPLICATION:
The online application typically opens in December and closes during the first week of March in the following year. A COMPLETE application includes the online application and one letter of support from your prospective faculty mentor.
SURE offers are made until the program is filled. All applicants are apprised
of their status (~mid April). Please be patient as we review applications!
Advice to Student Applicants
Get Started Early. We strongly encourage applicants to begin their applications well before the March 1 priority date and to give recommenders at least two weeks notice of the March 1 due date.
Short Essay (250-500 words): Before beginning the SURE online application,
we suggest you take some time to fashion your essay in advance of submitting (include
spell and grammar check). In your essay, state your motivation in applying to the
SURE program (i.e., professionally speaking, what do you hope to get out of/learn
from the program? How can you contribute to research ongoing at WVU? What do you
bring to the table? What area(s) of research are of interest to you and why are
you interested in those specific areas and, more generally, in scientific research?
Why should you be awarded a SURE appointment this summer?). A good essay is important!
Use the “Personal Statement” tips available at the WVU
Career Services Center and at
ASPIRE.
Faculty Research Mentor: To apply to the program, you must first identify a WVU faculty research mentor willing to supervise you during the SURE program. You can find an appropriate mentor by: 1) searching WVU websites for faculty, within your major(s)/associated majors, with research aligned with your interests/career goals; 2) contacting and interacting with the faculty member prior to submitting the faculty member's name; and 3) discussing the SURE program with the faculty member, and/or 4) working with the Office of Undergraduate Research to assist you. The faculty member must be agreeable and willing to provide a letter describing their willingness to mentor you. Contact undergradresearch@mail.wvu.edu with questions about finding a faculty research mentor.
Faculty Research Mentor Letter of Support (required): A letter of support from your prospective faculty mentor is required for the application. Once you have found a faculty mentor willing to supervise you, let them know that SURE will be requesting a letter of support from them. The letter of support should state that they are willing to serve as your mentor and should address your potential/abilities/motivation for engaging in research. We strongly encourage applicants give their recommenders at least two weeks' notice before the submission date.
Additional Letter of Recommendation (optional): In addition to your prospective mentor, you may wish to include one additional (optional) letter from a faculty member within your discipline (preferably from your home institution). The recommendation letter should address your potential/abilities/motivation for engaging in research.
Transcripts: You will need to attach a pdf or Word (.doc or .docx) copy of your official or unofficial, verifiable college transcripts. Please ensure that your transcripts are (i) legible and appear in portrait (not landscape) mode and (ii) that your name and the name of your institution appear on the transcripts. Your application will not be reviewed until all portions of your SURE application (form, resume, transcripts, and letter of support) have been submitted.
Resume : You will need to attach a pdf or Word (.doc or .docx) copy of your updated resume. Your application will not be reviewed until all portions of your SURE application (form, resume, transcripts, and letter of support) have been submitted.
SUBMIT! Don't forget to submit your application at the end. Your letter writers will not get a request to send a letter until you submit your application!
Questions? Email: SURE@mail.wvu.edu .
