Have you completed an assignment for a class that required you to find sources, and maybe use other library resources and services? Consider applying for the Calvert Award! The Calvert Award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate sophistication and originality in research projects.
Up to five prizes of $1500 each will be awarded in the following categories:
Emerging Scholar
100-300 level courses
Required elements:
- 500-750 word reflective essay
- Research project (including bibliography)
- Faculty letter of support
For more information, check out the rubric for Emerging Scholars submissions.
Creative Works
All undergraduate courses
Required elements:
- 500-750 word reflective essay
- Creative project (including bibliography)
- Faculty letter of support
- 250-500 word artist statement
For more information, check out the rubric for Creative Works submissions.
Advanced Undergraduate
400 level courses
Required elements:
- 500-750 word reflective essay
- Research project (including bibliography)
- Faculty letter of support
For more information, check out the rubric for Advanced Undergraduate submissions.
Extended Advanced Undergraduate
400 level sequential courses (take place over two semesters)
Required elements:
- 500-750 word reflective essay
- Research project (including bibliography)
- Faculty letter of support
For more information, check out the rubric for Extended Advanced Undergraduate submissions.
Applications will open Spring 2025.
Resources for putting together your application
Workshops
Workshops will take place in Spring 2025.
Other resources
View the recording of 2022's information session to learn about the application process and submission evaluation.
Tips on putting together a competitive application (6:21 video)
Contact a librarian for help with your research project before turning it in!
Questions about this award should be addressed to Amber Sewell, amber.sewell@unlv.edu.
Who can submit?
To submit a project for a Calvert Award, students must:
- Be enrolled as a UNLV undergraduate student at the time of project completion.
- Have completed the research project under consideration for a credit course at UNLV during the most recent summer, fall, or spring semester. (If applying for the 2023 award, the course must have been taken during Summer 2022, Fall 2022, or Spring 2023.)
- Agree to contribute to a display of their research during the year following receipt of the prize.
Are you a faculty member working with a student who meets the above criteria?
How will submissions be judged?
The reflective essay is the most important part of your application. Specific information can be found in the rubrics, but in general, submissions will be judged on how well applicants demonstrate the following:
- Intentional and diverse use of source materials, such as primary sources, scholarly articles, multimedia, books, and more.
- A clear strategy for locating, choosing, and evaluating library resources and other source materials.
- Evidence of developing an understanding of the processes of research and inquiry.
A panel composed of faculty, librarians, students and staff will judge entries.
About The University Libraries' Lance And Elena Calvert Award For Undergraduate Research
With the support of a generous endowment from Lance and Elena Calvert, the University Libraries' Lance and Elena Calvert Award for Undergraduate Research recognizes excellence in undergraduate research projects that incorporate the use University Libraries’ collections and demonstrate sophisticated information literacy skills. The judges mainly focus on the research process: the demonstration of library research skills, adept use of library resources and reflection upon the strategies used to investigate a research problem. Winners receive a cash prize and public recognition of their excellent work.
