OSRI Fellow FAQ

The Oberlin Summer Research Institute (OSRI) is an intensive, faculty-mentored summer research program that provides Oberlin students with the opportunity to conduct research within a dynamic, interdisciplinary community of scholars. OSRI fellowships are available to students across all disciplines and class years (excluding graduating seniors).

This year's program runs from June 2nd to July 24th, 2025, with an application deadline of February 21st, 2025.

• March 21th, 2025: Acceptance and Waitlist decisions released
• March 26th, 2025: Waitlist response deadline (accept or reject spot on Waitlist with faculty e-signature confirming that they will hold space for your participation.) 
• March 31st, 2025: Acceptance deadline for OSRI Fellowship
• April 4th, 2025: Waitlist outcome notifications 
• April 11th, 2025: Final acceptance deadline for Waitlist acceptances

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Non-graduating Oberlin College student who was enrolled during the 2024-2025 academic year
• Able to undertake full-time research and programming on campus June 2nd to July 24th, 2025
• No major commitments from June 2nd to July 24th, 2025 (e.g. classes, other employment, etc.)
• Good academic standing and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher
• Have not previously participated in two summers of an Oberlin College Research Fellowship, Oberlin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, or an OSRI Fellowship

OSRI supports various types of research projects, including student-led, faculty-led, and collaborative efforts. Students may work independently or as part of a research lab or team. Historically, students in STEM disciplines have typically participated in faculty-led research projects and students in Humanities and Social Sciences often pursued student-led research projects. However, we strongly encourage faculty and students in Humanities and Social Science disciplines to explore faculty-led research projects to provide more opportunities for students to engage in summer research.

Students and faculty are welcome to submit proposals encompassing creative research. Like all OSRI Fellowship applications, creative research will be held to rigorous review standards. In the application, please be sure to outline your methodology and intended outcomes in great detail. If you need assistance in defining the scope of your research or discussing the methodology, please reach out to Undergraduate Research at our@oberlin.edu.

OSRI supports students in early phases of their research journey as well as advanced students with a range of different workshops targeting our diverse population of student researchers. Students who are newer to research might benefit from working on a faculty-led research project and participating in more foundational research workshops.

OSRI provides an immersive summer research experience within a diverse and enthusiastic community of researchers. It is an especially wonderful time to get a headstart on honors research projects without the distractions of coursework and external responsibilities students face during a typical semester. Additionally, students interested in major fellowships such as Fulbright or Watson will receive targeted and early support for their applications through OSRI programming.

Students participating in OSRI will receive a $3,500 stipend plus free on-campus housing, valued at over $1,000. They will also benefit from close faculty mentorship, targeted programming to enhance their research skills, and a supportive community of researchers.

Prospective OSRI Fellows may apply for additional funding when they submit their application. Opportunities include:

• Need-based awards. The amount will be determined in consultation with Financial Aid.
• Peer mentors earn a $200 stipend and are expected to lead peer review groups and assist with small tasks to support OSRI. These mentor positions will be structured carefully not to intrude on research responsibilities. This is a competitive application process and interviews will be required. Please describe in one to two paragraphs why you would make a good peer mentor for OSRI.

Applicants may apply for up to $200 in research funds that can be used to support summer research projects. Funding may not be used to purchase equipment. We recommend discussing your proposal with your faculty mentor before submitting an application. Funds are limited and the application is competitive.  Research funds will be awarded based on the merit of the proposal and demonstrated need.

Applicants must submit a detailed budget and rationale for your proposal. Please use this template. Please note the following requirements for OSRI Research funds:

• Funds must be used during your OSRI Fellowship summer (in 2025, between June 2nd and July 24th)
• Funds must directly support your OSRI Fellowship research project
• Funds may not be used to purchase equipment 
• The payment/reimbursement process will vary based on the type of expense. More information will be provided in your award notification if you receive research funding.

If your research allowance application receives funding, you must use the allowance as described in your proposal. Changes to your approved budget must be approved in advance by OSRI staff.

Oberlin students not awarded an OSRI Scholarship but conducting faculty-mentored research projects and present for the entire OSRI duration may apply for OSRI Affiliate Research Scholar (OARS) status. OARS students participate fully in OSRI programming and adhere to the same expectations as OSRI Fellows but do not receive a stipend from OSRI. Similarly, OARS faculty mentors are not eligible for a stipend or other monetary compensation. Please complete the OARS application by May 1, 2025 to request OARS status.