University Scholars Program

Eligibility and Nominations

The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) does not have an undergraduate degree program, so any CVM faculty member may nominate a student from any UF college for the CVM University Scholars award. Students interested in appointment as a CVM University Scholar should seek out a mentor from faculty having their primary appointment in the CVM.

An ad hoc committee will accept nominations up to but not later than February 19, 2007. Applications should be delivered to Ms. Sally O'Connell in the Office of the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 100125 (phone 392-2213x5110). Nominations should include a copy of the student's application , a letter of support from the faculty mentor, and a letter from the department chair assessing the project's feasibility and scholarly contribution.

Course Registration

Those students selected as CVM University Scholars will be expected to conduct research in their mentors' laboratories during the Summer of 2009. During the Autumn and Spring semesters they should continue to work with their mentors and complete their project, including preparation of a manuscript. CVM University Scholars must register for a cumulative total of 3 credits of VME 4906, Problems in Veterinary Science, during the 2009-20010 academic year. This may be accomplished by registering for 1 credit each during summer, fall and spring terms or any combination thereof that sums to at least 3 credits. CVM faculty who mentor University Scholars will be awarded appropriate teaching credit whenever the student is registered for VME 4906.

Presentation of Scholarly Project Results

Selected University Scholars will present their project results as oral presentations at a special University Scholars Symposium held during the spring of 2010. Each University Scholar will write a report at the end of their project to summarize his/her scholarly findings. The report will be submitted to the Journal of Undergraduate Research , an on-line journal at UF that is both peer and faculty reviewed, where it will be reviewed by an editor and an advisory board for possible publication. This journal will give undergraduates experience in the publication process, and also will act as a national vehicle to inform others about undergraduate research at the University of Florida.

Recognition of University Scholars and Faculty Mentor

The CVM University Scholars and faculty mentors each will be recognized with a plaque at the CVM's Phi Zeta Research Emphasis Day. Additionally, the CVM will recognize both the students and faculty mentors in the College's external newsletter, Florida Veterinarian.