The Summer Research Fellows in the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society (CSRCS) is designed to foster advanced research in the interdisciplinary study of religion.  They are available to students of any year studying any discipline.  Students awarded these grants are supported by a stipend that helps replace the important income from summer employment. CSRCS Summer Research Fellows participate fully in Elon’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, which administers these grants through an agreement with the CSRCS. Students submit the normal application to the SURE program. In addition they must send a separate statement to the CSRCS director explaining how their proposed project aligns with the mission of the CSRCS.

Faculty members also receive a stipend as part of the CSRCS Fellows program, and therefore faculty mentors may not receive both the mentor’s stipend and salary for teaching 499 in the summer. Faculty may, however, consider applying for stipends and/or other research expenses through Elon’s Faculty Research and Development Committee (note: this committee has a November deadline for its application).

Research projects supported by this program should exhibit the potential for scholarly publication or presentation. Students are encouraged to register for research credit during the subsequent academic year to continue their CSRCS Fellow’s research project and/or embark on a different research project. Submission to the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) is required for all grantees and, if accepted, students are expected to present their work at SURF.