Intended Results of the Program

• Identify ways to advance college student success and well-being through research and scholarship.
• Foster stronger relationships between Student Affairs and Academic Support staff and USC faculty members.
• Enhance USC’s nationally recognized success in providing a superior student experience.

Fellow Deliverables

• Submit a comprehensive report of findings to Student Affairs and Academic Support, which will be distributed to the USC community and made available on the Student Affairs and Academic Support website.
• Present the research project and findings at a USC event sponsored by Student Affairs and Academic Support.
• Strongly encouraged to disseminate findings through scholarly publications and conference presentations.

Eligible Research Projects

Faculty Research Fellows engage in projects focusing on topics relevant to college student success, such as:

• Mental health and well-being
• Career development
• Experiential learning
• Loneliness
• Other relevant topics

Projects must align with Student Affairs and Academic Support programs, services, or related policies. Applicants should consult with Student Affairs and Academic Support staff to develop potential topics and research questions. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies are welcome.

Selection of Fellows

• Faculty Research Fellows are selected in the spring term for the following academic year.
• Selection is based on application review by a committee composed of three Student Affairs and Academic Support Senior Leadership Team members and a campus faculty member. Applications are evaluated for feasibility, potential impact, and faculty expertise.
• Faculty from all disciplines are eligible to apply.

Resources

• Selected fellows receive up to $15,000 to cover expenses outlined in the application, such as software, conference travel, and graduate assistant costs. Applicants must gain prior approval from their department’s business manager to ensure all costs are included and allowed, per university and department policies.
• Funds cannot be used for faculty summer salaries or course buy-outs.
• Student Affairs and Academic Support will assist with data availability for the project as needed.
• IRB approval must be obtained prior to the start of the research project, as appropriate.