As part of the OURS Summer Scholar Programs, each scholar must make a formal presentation at Student Scholars Day. Many scholars and their mentors will also continue on to make formal presentations, or present papers at regional, national, and international conferences.

In addition to these presentations, scholars are obligated to write a final manuscript This report is inclusive of a program reflection, as well as a formal academic paper. 

 Individual Development Plan (IDP)

Showcase Abstract

Narrative Program Reflection

Final Project Report

SWS Credit for SSP

GVSU Summer Scholars Showcase Abstract Submission

Scholars are expected to provide an abstract before Showcase, and make either an oral or poster presentation at Showcase. The SSD website has useful information on creating an abstract, poster presentation, printing a poster, or oral presentation for Showcase.

SHOWCASE ABSTRACTS: Please note, abstracts are limited to 200 words. This does not include your title, author, or mentor names; only the abstract itself.

Submit your Abstract

Abstracts DUE July 9, 2025

Printing a Poster for Showcase

If you are doing a poster presentation at GVSU Summer Scholars Showcase, OURS can print your poster for you. Please put in a poster print request at least 5 days before the event. You will need a final PowerPoint file and a PDF version of your poster to submit the form.

OURS Poster Printing Request

Narrative Program Reflection

Each student should reflect on their summer research experience and how it relates to their liberal education, as well as their program of study. A self reflection of your learning, as well as a reflection of the mentoring from your faculty member should be included. This reflection should be a minimum of 1000 words.

Submit your Summer Scholars Program Narrative through the Online Form

Final Project Manuscript

Submission Procedure

• Submit manuscript/report in PDF through the online form.
• Submit your abstract to ScholarWorks by using the ScholarWorks self-submit feature. Additionally, please complete and sign the ScholarWorks Agreement and email it to [email protected]. You may choose to load your full manuscript into ScholarWorks, but it is not a program requirement.

Summer Scholars Program Manuscript/Final Report Submission

Summer Scholars Program Manuscript/Final Project Report Extension Request

Extension Requests
If you are planning to request an extension on your Final Paper or Budget, you must submit your reason for the request(s) and your new proposed timeline by 5:00 p.m. on the Extension Request Deadline date (as found on the Program Schedule page). Submit your request through the online form.

Abstract
The abstract is a summary of your paper in about 200 words. The purpose of your research needs to be communicated in one to two sentences. For empirical research, also include a statement about the methodology or experimental design followed. The abstract should conclude with several sentences summarizing the primary results and conclusions. For papers in the humanities, include a statement regarding the major thesis and a sentence for each of the primary ideas explained in the paper. Be sure to check with your mentor about common practice in your field.

Manuscript Length
Each final manuscript should be of publishable quality. Generally, papers are between 1500 and 4000 words, including references. Though professional standards apply, there is no limit on the number of figures and tables in a paper. Please note that humanities and social science papers tend to be much lengthier. Consult with your faculty mentor about the appropriate length for your discipline.

Research Format
Manuscripts should conform to the manuscript and documentation format appropriate to the student's discipline (APA, IEEE, MLA, CBE, Chicago, etc.), including labeling and constructing figures and tables.

References (Works Cited)
All sources referred to (or cited) in your manuscript must be listed at the end. The format used for this listing should reflect common practice in your field. 

AI Use
If generative AI is used in the research or writing process, the scholar must make note of the AI use in the reference section, as well as specify in the methods section how, when, and to what extent AI was used

Plans for Dissemination
All plans for conferences, presentations, or publications must be included as part of the final report. Submission to Grand Valley State University's Institutional Repository, ScholarWorks, is required. You may submit your entire Final Project Report or your abstract.

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