Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Engaged Scholar and Artist Awards (ESAA) provides funding to support undergraduate student-led research, creative works or community engagement projects. Projects may be submitted by one individual student or by a team of students. Each project must have one “lead” student and one faculty mentor.
Yes, Lecturers can serve as mentors.
No, only Faculty members (including Lecturers) can serve as mentors.
Up to $500 of the total amount awarded to the Lead student may be used for faculty travel related to the project.
No, the student should take the lead in purchasing, though the ESAA Mentor should serve as a guide in both the decision-making and actual processing of project expenditures. If the student needs help using iShop or other UTRGV software, the faculty mentor can help and/or introduce the student to their administrative support staff in the department/school.
To travel, students must complete the Travel Form for either domestic travel or international travel. Once the appropriate signatures have been obtained, the form must be submitted to the Dean’s Office at least 7 days prior your trip. The form must be completed prior to making any bookings (e.g., hotel, car rental, registration), per university student travel policies. Please keep all receipts for any reimbursement requests.
No, students who travel with the award funds must be affiliated with the University.
We recommend connecting with your Faculty Mentor prior to requesting any assistance from the Administrative Personnel in your Faculty Mentor’s department/school. Usually, this information is listed on your Mentor’s department website.
No, but you may use your funds for publication purposes.
Yes, to assist you, we host a workshop addressing how to submit an abstract prior our ESAA deadline.