»Wilkinson College Undergraduate Research Fellows Program

Wilkinson College's Undergraduate Research Fellows Program supports faculty research and creative activity while providing Wilkinson students with meaningful, hands-on research experience. Through collaboration with faculty mentors, students gain experience in the research and creative process, develop research skills, and contribute directly to faculty-led scholarly and creative projects.

Program Overview:

  • Faculty may hire one undergraduate Research Fellow per fiscal year.
  • Faculty may request funding for up to 150 total student work hours per application.
  • Research Fellows may work during the academic year and/or summer based on the needs and timeline of the research project; however, students may not work more than 19 hours per week across all Chapman University positions combined.
  • Hourly rate: $18/hour for FY 2026–27 (rates are reviewed and set annually).
  • Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year and are subject to the availability of funds.
  • Hiring and student timesheets are managed by the Dean’s Office. Please allow approximately three weeks for hiring.
  • Research Fellows may not be used to fulfill course requirements or Capstone projects.

Faculty Eligibility:

  • Open to full-time tenure and tenure-track Wilkinson College faculty.
  • Due to limited funding, priority will be given to junior tenure-track faculty.

Student Eligibility:

  • Must be an undergraduate student majoring or minoring in Wilkinson College.
  • Must be in good academic standing.
  • No prior research experience is required.
  • Students may not work more than 19 hours per week across all Chapman University positions combined.

Faculty Supervisor Responsibility:

  • Faculty supervisors are responsible for providing appropriate oversight of the Research Fellow and ensuring that the student has meaningful research work consistent with the number of hours requested and approved.
  • Faculty are not responsible for maintaining or submitting the student’s timekeeping records; however, they are expected to actively supervise the student’s research activities and ensure that the approved fellowship hours are being appropriately utilized.

Reporting Requirement:

  • At the conclusion of the fellowship, faculty are required to complete the Research Fellows Faculty Report Form within 30 days. The report should clearly describe how the Research Fellow contributed to the faculty members’ research and/or creative activity.

Contact Information: