Proposals should be single-spaced, adhere to the guidelines set forth in the APA Publication Manual, Fourth Edition, and follow the outline below. The proposal should clearly indicate how consideration of diversity will be built into the research project. The project does not necessarily need to target specific diverse groups or issues, however, it does need to recognize and appropriately consider diverse populations in relation to the topic under study. The proposal, including references, is to be no more than 15 pages.

Five copies of the proposal, along with a cover letter, should be submitted to Connie Matthews, Ph. D., Department of Counselor Education, Counseling Psychology, and Rehabilitation Services, 332 CEDAR Building, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. The cover letter should include the title of the proposal, contact information for the principal investigator, and the principal investigator's ACPA membership number. Proposals must be received by March 29, 2000, and may not be faxed or emailed. For more information about the award or the application process, contact Connie Matthews at cxm206@psu.edu or (814)863-6153.

I. Rationale (3 page maximum)

This section should address the theoretical underpinnings of the project (if appropriate to the nature of the project), as well as the potential it has to contribute to the work of college and university counseling centers. The rationale should be supported by appropriate reference to the professional literature and there should be a clear explanation of how the project contributes to the existing knowledge.

II. Research Plan (7 page maximum)

This section should provide a detailed description of the methods to be used. It should include description of the participants, data collection methods and/or any instruments to be used (with justification of their appropriateness for the study), procedures that will be followed, and steps to insure protection of research participants. Approval by the applicant's Institutional Review Board will be required prior to distribution of funds, although this does not have to have occurred prior to submitting the proposal. This section should include clear and specific research questions and a preliminary indication of anticipated quantitative or qualitative analyses.

III. Budget Summary

Provide an outline of major budget categories and the amount requested (e.g. Postage, $242; Copying, $180). The total can exceed the $750.00 that is available from this award. If the total does exceed $750.00, the source of funds being used to supplement this award should be clearly indicated as well as evidence that the additional funds are available for the project. Please note that no funds from this award may be allocated for institutional indirect costs. Funds for equipment from the award may not exceed 20% of the award total or $150. Equipment would include anything of a permanent nature, whose use would exceed the duration of the research project (e.g. software, books, manuals, re-usable test booklets, recording or computer equipment, etc.).

IV. Budget Narrative

Provide a more detailed description of items outlined in Section III. For example, the postage section might include:

	Postage	$242
	Mailing Surveys
	300 surveys x 33¢	$99
	300 reply envelopes x 33¢	$99
	200 follow-up postcards x 22¢	$44

V. Dissemination of Results

Since the purpose of this award is to support research that is relevant to the work of college and university counseling centers, it is important that a plan for communicating the results to those who might benefit be built into the plan. Applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal for presentation at the American College Personnel Association annual conference, however, acceptance should not be assumed, nor should this be the sole method of dissemination of results.

VI. Agreement to Submit a Final Report