CRP Student Application

Student Eligibility

This program is open to all W&M undergraduate students who meet the following criteria:

• Graduation Timing: Student plans to graduate on or after the completion of the year-long program in December 2025.
• Enrollment Status: Student is currently enrolled as full-time W&M undergraduate student and will be on campus during the spring and fall 2025 semesters.
• Commitment: Student understands and commits to all program requirements.
• Previous Participation: Student has not previously participated in the CRP year-long program.

Program Requirements

Students enrolled in the year-long Conservation Research Program must:

• Full Commitment: Commit to the entire program from January to December 2025. Enrollment and presence on campus during the spring and fall semesters are mandatory. Students should plan to spend their summer either in Williamsburg or at a location essential for their project.
• Weekly Meetings: Conduct weekly meetings with faculty mentors and conservation partners.
• Lab Meetings: Actively participate in weekly lab meetings every Friday from 2:00 to 2:50 PM ET throughout the program.
• Summer Research: Complete the summer research project by dedicating approximately 30 hours per week for 10 weeks.
• Inclusive Environment: Contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff, and partners.
• Project Deliverables: Ensure that all project deliverables, well-organized project materials, and a comprehensive report are provided to partners by December 2025.
• Dissemination: Disseminate research findings to stakeholders and primary audiences.
• Research Credits: Register for a minimum of 2 credits of independent research during both the spring and fall semesters. Note that enrollment in summer classes is not permitted.
• Scholarship and Procedures: Acknowledge that you will receive a $4,000 scholarship for summer research. Be aware that paperwork and procedures may differ for U.S. citizens and international students.
• Travel and Budget: Plan and manage your own travel and project budget. You may apply for additional travel support from the IIC if required for your project.
• Travel Requirements: Fulfill the travel requirements specific to your selected project.
• Task Completion and Communication: Complete all project tasks by the program’s deadlines and maintain regular communication with partners, faculty, and the research manager throughout the program.
• Compliance: Adhere to all William & Mary, Institute for Integrative Conservation, and partner travel and program stipulations.
• Professional Conduct: Represent W&M and IIC professionally, treating partners, research teams, and local communities with respect.

Travel Requirements

If travel is required for any of the projects you select, please review and acknowledge the following travel requirements:

• Pre-Departure Orientation: Attend mandatory pre-departure orientations as scheduled to ensure you are fully prepared for your travel and project requirements.
• Travel Insurance: Obtain appropriate travel insurance coverage as required by William & Mary and the Institute for Integrative Conservation.
• Health and Safety: Comply with all health and safety guidelines, including any vaccinations or health precautions necessary for your travel destination. Note that students are responsible for all health-related expenses.
• Documentation: Secure, maintain, and carry all required travel documentation, including passports, visas, and any project-specific permits.
• Travel Arrangements: Coordinate with the Research Program Manager and partners to plan your travel arrangements, including transportation and accommodation, ensuring alignment with the project's needs, health and safety requirements, and budget constraints.
• Travel Budget: Develop, propose, and manage your project and travel budgets. W&M students will have the opportunity to propose their budget for approval.
• Reporting: Submit a travel planning report, including a trip summary, health and risk management plans, emergency contact numbers, and budget details.
• Compliance: Adhere to all relevant travel policies and procedures established by William & Mary, the Institute for Integrative Conservation, and any project partners.
• Travel Conditions: Research and understand your travel conditions to ensure you meet all travel requirements.

By acknowledging these requirements, you ensure compliance with program policies and contribute to a successful research experience.

IIC Support

Students in the year-long Conservation Research Program will receive the following support from the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC):

• Mentorship: Ongoing guidance throughout the program to assist with research completion and development of conservation leadership skills.
• Research Award: A $4,000 award to support full-time research over the summer. Note: The application process and paperwork may vary for U.S. citizens and international students. To receive this award, students must not enroll in summer courses.
• Travel and Research Expenses: Students may submit a proposal for additional IIC support for travel and research expenses, in alignment with William & Mary and IIC policies, if required for their project.
• Housing: Accommodation for travel related to the research project will be covered by the IIC. For the remainder of the summer, students are responsible for securing and funding their own housing to complete their research.
• International Travel Insurance: If international travel is necessary for the project, the IIC will cover the cost of the required William & Mary international travel insurance.

Application Instructions

To apply for the year-long Conservation Research Program, students must complete the Qualtrics survey linked below and submit a 3-minute video summarizing their interest and fit for the program by October 21, 2024.

1. Complete the Qualtrics Survey: Fill out the survey linked below, which requests the following information and reflections:
   • Student Information: Name, email, graduation year, major/minor, 93 number, and financial aid status.
   • Program Reflections:
     • Why you are interested in the program.
     • Your approach to travel and project work.
     • Your strategy for project management.
     • Your approach to working in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams.
     • What you hope to learn from the program.
   • Project Prioritization: Identify your top three projects and reflect on how you uniquely fit each project.
2. Video Submission: In your 3-minute video:
   • Reflect on your interest in the program.
   • Present your contributions to conservation.
   • Describe how you will apply your unique skills, talents, and perspectives to one of the available research projects.
   • Explain how you will contribute as a member of the student research cohort.
   • Be sure to select and prioritize a few projects of interest.

Application Tips

A Strong Application Should:

• Commitment to Conservation: Clearly express your dedication to biodiversity conservation and your approach to addressing complex conservation challenges.
• Unique Perspectives: Highlight your unique perspectives, skills, and passions related to conservation.
• Project Skills: Demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to complete the research project effectively.
• Professional Qualities: Show evidence of resiliency, professionalism, and organizational skills required to lead a research project successfully.
• Alignment with Values: Reflect the values of the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) and align with its mission.

Additional Tips:

• Project Fit: Carefully review the project descriptions and consider how you would contribute uniquely to each project.
• Travel and Skills: If a project requires travel, language fluency, or specific skills, ensure you communicate your ability to meet these requirements in your application.

Successful applicants will effectively convey their fit for the program, their commitment to conservation, and the unique contributions they bring to the field.