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Program Flyer (PLEASE POST)

Program Overview

Marsh W. White Awards are made to Society of Physics Students Chapters "to support projects designed to promote interest in physics among students and the general public."

Awards of up to $300 are made annually on the basis of proposals submitted by active SPS Chapters (click here to see the 2008 recipients). From among the proposals submitted by Chapters, a panel of judges selects several of the most meritorious for Marsh W. White awards. Honorable mentions may be made.

The program of awards is open to all active Chapters of the SPS. Although each proposal is required to have the endorsement of the SPS Chapter faculty advisor, the advisor acts only in a consultive capacity. The planning and writing of the proposal are the responsibility of the SPS student members. Each Chapter participating in this program probably will want to set up a small committee to consult with the other members and prepare the proposal.

Note: Proposals for research activities should be made through the Undergraduate Research Awards Program rather than the Marsh W. White Awards Program.

Requirements

1. Only ONE proposal may be submitted by each SPS Chapter.
2. It must contain a precise statement of the proposed chapter activity to be completed within a calendar year.
3. It must show evidence of imaginative and thoughtful appraisal of the ways in which the proposed activity would contribute towards the objectives of the SPS Program.
4. It must contain a budget totaling not more than $300.
5. It must be signed by the advisor and officers of the Chapter.

A grant is made to the institution at which the SPS Chapter is located with the understanding that the funds are to be used for the purpose set forth in the successful proposal.

Funds for the Award come from the income in the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund. The Awards, which were first made in 1975, were named in honor of Dr. Marsh W. White for his long years of service to Sigma Pi Sigma. Dr. White has served as Executive Secretary (1930-67), President (1968-70), and Historian (1970-90) of Sigma Pi Sigma.

Preparation of the Proposal

A. Only one copy of the proposal is required. Proposals should be typed with double spacing.

B. Page one of the proposal should contain:

1. The title of the activity.
2. The name and location of the SPS Chapter.
3. The name(s) and signature(s) of the student(s) who prepared the proposal.
4. The name and signature of the faculty advisor.
5. The total amount requested for the activity.
6. The date of submission of the proposal.

C. Page two should contain an abstract of approximately 50 words stating clearly the Chapter's proposed activity.

D. Pages three through five should contain a statement of the activity and a budget. The presentation should be clear and concise, indicating what activity is planned, how it is to be carried out, how it is related to the purposes of the SPS Chapter, and what the time schedule for the project is. The budget must show how the award would be spent and indicate supplementary funds expected from other sources. Payment for student services is not to be included.

E. Proposal should not exceed five pages.

Submission of the Proposal

Mail or fax one copy of the proposal, postmarked or faxed not later than midnight 15 November, to the Director, Society of Physics Students, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740, fax (301) 209-0839.

-OR-

E-mail the SPS National Office, not later than midnight 15 November, and attach the file containing the proposal to the E-mail. The file must be created in Microsoft Word© or WordPerfect©. In the subject line of the e-mail, please type: Marsh White Proposal.

Judging and Announcement of Awards

The proposals will be judged by a panel of physicists and awards made by early January. Proposals should be prepared with this in mind and should be written for periods not longer than one calendar year.

An final report is due on 31 May following the grant approval.

• Abstracts, Photos & Reports from Recent Recipients
• PDF Informational Flyer
• Marsh White Legacy Powerpoint Presentation