A. If my supervisor declines to modify the research plan to an online project or declines to provide the matching funds, can the student identify another supervisor?

Yes, provided that the student notifies AVC GSR (scpineau@upei.ca) immediately of the situation and requests an extension to enable them to identify a new supervisor. An extension of up to one calendar week is possible. Failure to find a new supervisor within the time period will result in the financial component of the award being rescinded. The new supervisor must agree to all of the conditions, including providing the matching $1,900, for the student and they must not have more than two other VetSRA funded students.

B. If the proposed project is part of an approved essential research plan, can the student participate?

Yes, it is possible. However, the essential research plan, including the student’s role, must be approved prior to accepting the VetSRA. It is advisable that the supervisor and student should submit a full online project proposal by the deadline (April 23). The awards committee will accept an amendment at a later date if there is a role within an approved essential research plan identified. 

C. Is it possible to do campus-based or field-based research if social distancing measures are relaxed during the summer?

Yes, if it is compatible with the approved public health restrictions. However, all VetSRA projects must be established with the entire summer research experience executable assuming there is no return to normal activities during the VetSRA time period. If the revised proposal depends on any return to campus or field research, it will not be accepted.

D. Will shortened terms be possible?

No, VetSRA-funded students will engage in projects for a minimum of 12 weeks. Longer projects are possible but this will be up to arrangements between the supervisor and the student.

E. Will the award value be reduced?

AVC is honouring the full value of the awards ($4,600) and therefore, supervisors must commit the minimum required amount ($1,900). 

F. Will the student need to complete a poster as part of the Summer Research program?

Yes, a poster of the project must still be produced. The dates for the final poster will be released later in the summer.

G. Will the student be attending the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Symposium in August, 2020?

Likely not. We do not know if the symposium, originally planned for San Diego in early August, will take place this year. If it does take place and public health restrictions allowed such travel, AVC will consider sending a small group of students. However, it is likely to be cancelled as an in-person symposium but may be modified to a virtual conference. If that occurs, VetSRA students will be expected to participate in the virtual conference.

H. Will projects be allowed to continue part-time in the Fall?

No, projects that start during the summer must be completed during the summer term.

I. Can the award be postponed until Fall 2020 or Winter 2021?

No, project must be completed prior to scheduled return to classes in August, 2020. 

J. Do supervisors need to revise their project description using the VetSRA form?

The project description in the VetSRA form does not need to be revised.  However, a brief description of your research plan, including the commitment by the supervisor for the matching $1,900, must be communicated to scpineau@upei.ca.

K. What happens if the student is no longer able to accept the award?

Please contact Sherri Pineau (scpineau@upei.ca) as soon as possible so that we can offer the award to another student.  You can still list the award (as declined) on your CV.   

L. What is the process for activating the award payments?

Once the AVC GSR Office is notified that the student and supervisor have committed to the online research plan, GSR will contact the supervisor to arrange the transfer of funds to our VetSRA account. Note that all VetSRAs are considered as research awards and therefore paid as stipend in six equal instalments. The start date for the student project is arranged with the supervisor and does not affect the date of the instalments.

M. Are the rules the same for students also receiving the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)? 

Yes, the general rules are the same. However, the funding mechanisms require special administrative arrangements. Any student receiving the USRA and VetSRA will be contacted to arrange these through the AVC GSR Office.