Program Description
The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD) values student-initiated research and recognizes the limited funding opportunities available. To support AAD students’ research and creative work, the Student Initiated Research Grant (SIRG) program offers up to ten awards annually, each up to $750. Funding comes from returned revenue from active faculty research grants.
Grant funds may cover project materials, supplies, equipment, data collection, and printing or publication costs. They may not be used for student stipends, tuition, travel, conference fees, or participant incentives (e.g., gift cards). Mileage reimbursement is allowable, but no other travel-related expenses are permitted. Please include mileage reimbursement as a separate budget item on the application.
All spending must comply with university policies. Software purchases must go through the college business office due to special procurement procedures. Some items (e.g., computers, projectors) will remain college property. Funds cannot be transferred to external entities. If additional funding has been received or requested, it must be disclosed in the application.
Eligibility
Applicants may be an undergraduate or graduate student with 1) a good academic standing, 2) a declared major in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, and 3) a AAD faculty mentor who endorses the application.
Each student may receive one grant per academic year. Groups may apply, but funding is limited to $750 per project, regardless of group size.
Application Deadline
Applications for funding are accepted in the fall semester. Applications should be submitted via GOOGLE FORM by 5:00 p.m. on September 14, 2026
Full link: https://forms.gle/1WzDHHfk3M7sQzx99
Application Requirements
- Completed Google Application Form (see appendix 1)
- Faculty Letter of Support
Provide a letter from your advisor or a faculty member in support of your project by September 14. The letter should speak to the student’s ability to perform the proposed project or research and the merit of the proposed project or research. The letter should be on department letterhead, and must contain 1) Applicant’s name, 2) Project title, 3) Statement on the merit of the proposed project and the ability of the applicant to conduct the proposed project, and 4) Faculty name and signature.
- Human Subjects Letter ( if applicable)
If the proposed work includes human subjects, provide a copy of the IRB approval letter or waiving. If a letter is not available at the time of the application, provide a short statement about your plans to meet this requirement.
Application Review and Selection
Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of 1)Prof Karine Dupre, AAD Associate Dean for Research and Creative Scholarship, 2) AAD Pre - Award and Funding Support Specialist, and 4) AAD faculty representatives of each school.
Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Clarity of the proposed research’s articulation of the problem or inquiry
- Explanation of the work to be completed and its methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Expected impact
- Feasibility of the proposal
Award Notification
Every applicant will be notified of the result of their application via email. Award notifications are anticipated to be sent by mid-October.
Distribution of Funds
Funds will be available upon notification of award. Recipients may work with the Dean’s Office Fiscal Technician, Jennifer Yates, jyates@vt.edu to order materials, or provide itemized receipts to request reimbursement. Note that travel costs are not reimbursable.
Funds will be provided based on actual costs. Unused funds will not be provided as payment to the applicant. Funds may only be used for costs described in the application. All project costs must be incurred by the end of the project period indicated on the application form and submitted to Jennifer Yates by May 1st, 2027.
Project Completion and Final Report (1 page maximum)
Projects must be completed before the end of the academic year.
Awardees are required to submit a final report in pdf format by May 29th, 2027 via email to Prof Karine Dupre kdupre@vt.edu. The template will be sent to awardees.
The awardees are required to provide a poster or short video to be displayed at the AAD Symposium for Student and Faculty Initiated Research in April 2027. The SIRG research outcomes will also be referenced in the college Research and Creative Scholarship Newsletter to highlight and promote students’ accomplishments.
Questions? Contact:
Prof Karine Dupre
AAD, Associate Dean for Research and Creative Scholarship, kdupre@vt.edu
