COVID-19 Update on Summer Scholars

Q: How will the Summer Scholars program work this year?

A: All research experiences will be conducted remotely. So will the programming that we usually offer on campus. The Celebratory Symposium in August will also be an online event.

Q: Will the dates change?

A: No. Summer Scholars will begin June 8 and end August 13 as originally planned.

Q: Will the stipends change? 

A: No – they will remain as before.

Q: Will there be on-campus housing?

A: No. Since the program is entirely remote, there will be no housing at UD.

Q: How do I confirm that I wish to be considered for the program?

A: Discuss your original project with your faculty mentor, go to the link URP sent you to confirm or revise your original applications, complete and sign the form as soon as possible and no later than 5.00 on Monday April 13. There will be no extensions to this deadline.d

Q: What do I do if I no longer wish to participate in the program?

A: You don’t need to do anything. If we do not receive an application from you, we will assume you are not participating. Out of courtesy to the faculty member who sponsored your original application, please let them know of your decision.

Q: What do I do if I want to switch from Summer Scholars to Summer Fellows?

A: You should discuss this possibility with your faculty mentor and email Dr. Lauren Barsky that you intend to make this change: lbarsky@udel.edu  We will be opening applications for Summer Fellows as soon as the Summer Scholars selection process is complete.

COVID-19 Update for Senior Thesis Students

Q: I was not able to finish my research and now labs are closed, how do I complete my thesis?

A: The first thing you should do is get in touch with your thesis advisor to see how they want you to proceed. We understand that many of you have had your research cut short. In most cases, you will be able to finish your thesis using the research you have conducted up until this point.

Q: Will the thesis submission deadline be extended?

A: As long as the date of graduation does not change, the thesis submission deadline will remain the same.

Q: Will any of the thesis deadlines be affected?

A: In general, our office is moving forward with the senior thesis program as usual. We will keep the deadlines for requirements like the formatting appointment, third reader meetings, progress reports, and the defense as they are. However, we do acknowledge that everyone will be handling the disruptions differently and will try to be accommodating should anything prevent you from meeting the deadlines.

Q: Do I still need to meet with my third reader group?

A: Yes. Because campus is closed, you will need to meet virtually with your group. Hopefully you all have figured out Zoom by now.

Q: Do I still need to complete the Outside Lecture Assignment?

A: We have decided to waive the Outside Lecture Assignment due to campus being closed.

Q: Do I still need to schedule my formatting appointment?

A: Yes. Though because we are working remotely, you can send your formatted thesis document to Adam (agrimes@udel.edu) for him to make corrections and comments. If you have any specific questions you would like to verbally discuss, email Adam to set up a Zoom meeting.

Q: Do I need to hold my defense virtually?

A: Yes. Again, due to campus being closed, you will need to hold your defense virtually. Zoom should work just fine for this. You can use the screen sharing or virtual background options to display your slides or other information you need for your defense.

If you have any other questions, please email either Dr. Lauren Barsky (lbarsky@udel.edu) or Adam Grimes (agrimes@udel.edu), and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for your understanding as we continue to work this system out.