ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Full-time students with no fewer than 45 hours and no more than 67 hours.
- Exceptions to the hour criteria may be waived if a student brought in AP credit or transferred to the psychology department.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of one or more courses in research methods and statistics.
- Student’s project should take four regular semesters (i.e., two fall, two spring) to complete.
- The proposed projects should go beyond what is accomplished in the context of a research practicum or directed study.
- Obtaining endorsement of a faculty mentor who will assist in developing, conducting, and disseminating the research.
- Obtaining endorsement of your research methods and statistics instructor OR single case research design instructor.
- Instructor must comment on the student’s understanding of research design and statistical analysis and their capability of completing the George Scholarship.
EXPECTATIONS OF GEORGE SCHOLARS
The George Scholars Program is designed for Berry psychology majors who are in their sophomore year (rising juniors). The goal of the program is to help students move beyond the excellent academic characteristics of many Berry students to a superlative level through a one-on-one working relationship with a psychology faculty mentor. George Scholars will be selected based upon their performance at Berry during their first 3 semesters and clear potential for an outstanding level of scholarship throughout their remaining career at Berry. Scholars will be expected to interact with and learn from the other George Scholars, to promote the program at departmental and campus events, and to deliver a paper presentation at the annual Berry College Symposium for Student Scholarship that takes place each spring semester. Scholars are expected to provide a project summary report to the George Scholar Coordinator after year one prior to the last day of classes in the spring semester. The report should include information regarding significant changes (if any) to the project, forward progress on the project, a budget of any expenses that are significant (e.g., travel to a conference). Scholars should note that this information must be as accurate as possible as it will be used to: 1) determine if the Scholars’ progress is acceptable, and thus, worthy of year two funding, and 2) make budget projections for the George Scholars Fund. Scholars in their second year are expected to submit a complete APA formatted research report prior to the last day of classes of the spring semester toward their PSY 498 course grade.
Dissemination of research findings is highly valued by the George family. Project abstracts will be posted on the George Scholars website. Additionally, scholars are encouraged to publish and present their research at professional meetings. Scholars are expected to participate in events (e.g., meet-and-greets, dinners, lectures) connected with the George family visits to Berry College and George Family Lecture Series and to share their experiences.