USSRF FAQs

Questions from/about student applicants

Yes. Students must be currently registered in an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree program (any year) at Queen’s at the time of application.

Please check with the Faculty office/Department to which you are applying for their review process. 

Yes. Students must be currently registered in an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program (any year) at Queen’s at the time of application.

Letters of recommendation are not required and will not be read if submitted with the application. 

USSRF funding is for 16 weeks and the work period must be approved by the Department, supervisor and student.

Students are hired and funded for full-time hours at 35 hrs/week. 

Eligibility extends to all Bachelor’s degree programs at Queen’s. 

Students receive their USSRF awards by monthly payroll (less mandatory deductions), which is deposited directly into their bank account. See the duration and remuneration section in the guidelines.

Please check with the Faculty office/Department to which you are applying for their review process. 

It is expected that students will fully engage with the research experience, and in most cases that means the student will join the research group and supervisor on campus. However, students are encouraged to ask their potential supervisor how their research group works, and what the expectations are with respect to work location, remote work options and interactions with the research group.

Yes, however, preference may be given to students who have not previously held a USSRF. 

Students are expected to work on the research project at the equivalent of full-time hours. Students should discuss the issue of additional part-time work with their supervisor.

Students need to consult with their supervisor to ensure their schedule is compatible with completing the research objectives. 

Questions about/for USSRF supervisors:

Not sure how to find a research area you are interested in?

Here are some suggestions:

  • Check out the opportunities and resources listed on the Student Researchers  page (scroll to the Undergraduate Research section). Stop in on student poster presentations when you see them on campus - ask questions and find out who students are working with.
     
  • Browse profiles of Queen’s researchers on Queen's Research Discovery Network  .
     
  • Visit the Research at Queen’s  homepage and explore the various sections to see if anything or anyone inspires you. When you find a research area you might be interested in - go talk to the professor or drop into the Departmental main office to find out who you could give you more information. 

Supervisors are responsible for all direct costs of research. 

Supervisors must have a primary faculty appointment at Queen’s, or adjunct status at Queen’s and do not have a primary faculty appointment at another university). All appointments must cover the duration of the research project.

No. Before 2023, the USSRF program supported only support social sciences, humanities and creative arts; however as part of a 2023 pilot the USSRF program has been extended to all research disciplines.

It is expected that supervisors will fully engage with the research experience, and in most cases that means the student will join the research group and supervisor on campus. Please speak with your supervisor to talk about remote work options for your project.

Yes. 

Supervisors will usually use grant funds to cover their portion of the fellowship. Potential supervisors in social sciences, humanities and creative arts disciplines are encouraged to consider the SSHRC Institutional Grant (SIG) as a mechanism to meet supervisor contribution requirements.