October 27, 2015

Dear Colleague:

The NSF Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) invites its grantees who do not already have Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) supplemental funding to submit requests for such funding pursuant to the guidelines specified in the NSF REU solicitation (see Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU): Sites and Supplements; NSF 13-542). Grantees are encouraged to submit these requests before March 30, 2016.

For single investigator projects, CISE REU supplemental funding requests should typically be for no more than two students for one year. Research teams funded through multi-investigator projects may request support for a larger number of students, commensurate with the size and nature of their projects. For example, for projects involving two principal investigators, REU supplemental funding is typically requested for about four undergraduates for one year. Requests for larger numbers of students should be accompanied by detailed justifications.

CISE expects to provide up to $8,000 per student per year through the REU supplemental support mechanism. As described in the REU program solicitation (NSF 13-542), indirect costs (F&A) are not allowed on Participant Support costs in REU Site or REU Supplement budgets.

REU stipend support is one way to retain talented students in undergraduate education, while providing meaningful research experiences and encouraging research-based careers. The participation of students from groups underrepresented in computing -- underrepresented minorities, women, and persons with disabilities -- is strongly encouraged. In addition, CISE encourages REU supplements that specifically afford U.S. veterans an opportunity to engage in meaningful research experiences.

CISE REU supplemental funding requests must describe results of any previous such support, such as students supported, papers published, student placements, etc. Other factors influencing supplemental funding decisions include the number of REU requests received by CISE programs, and in the case of multiple submissions by a single PI, the ability to provide adequate mentoring.

Investigators are encouraged to refer to the REU program solicitation (NSF 13-542) for detailed information concerning submission requirements. Grantees with questions may also contact the CISE program officers managing their grants.

In the event that requests for REU supplemental support exceed funds available in CISE, requests will be considered in the order in which they are received.

Sincerely,

James Kurose
Assistant Director, CISE