Simpson Urban Studies Institute
Helping all communities thrive toward their greatest potential
Through research and outreach, we define today's most pressing challenges and apply Simpson’s values as catalysts for change
The Simpson Urban Studies Institute (SUSI) acts as a social impact incubator. We serve the larger Des Moines metropolitan area and amplify experiential learning for students under the guidance of Simpson faculty in our research center, where teams and scholars identify critical urban problems. The center's support also includes research grant funding for individual and class projects that aim to help create models for effective urban system modification.
SUSI is a trusted resource for positive collaboration and innovation
In our curriculum
We act as an experiential and service learning gateway for Simpson students and faculty. SUSI staff, in collaboration with Career Development and Civic Engagement, coordinate volunteer projects as service learning components to existing courses and undergraduate research.
And our community
As responsible partners with urban non-profit and faith-based organizations, we provide students community research, technical assistance projects and service opportunities. We provide our partners the compassion, intellect and ingenuity of our students.
SUSI Research Grants are available for research projects including a faculty member and one or more students and class-wide research projects that support the SUSI mission. Grant proposals are due September 25 for research occurring in the following Spring semester or summer. Grant proposals are due January 29 for research occurring in the summer or in the following Fall semester. If funds are still available, grant proposals will be considered after the deadline. Grant proposals are reviewed by a faculty committee.
Small Group Research Grants
SUSI Small Group Research Grants are for a maximum of $2,000. Applications for Small Group Research Grants are to be completed by a Simpson College faculty member and at least one Simpson student. The award can be used to fund the research process (e.g. photocopying, mailing expenses, supplies, travel to and from the research site, equipment, computer software, travel to libraries). Grant proposals may also include in the $2,000 award up to $500 for a faculty stipend and up to $500 for travel to a conference to present research results. Application form here.
Class Project Research Grants
If the class is part of the faculty member’s teaching load, then a SUSI Classroom Research Grant can be used to fund the research process (e.g. photocopying, mailing expenses, supplies, travel to and from the research site, equipment, computer software, travel to libraries). These awards are for a maximum of $1,000. Please note that faculty stipends will not be awarded for research that is part of a class. Application form here.
Alternatively, a faculty member may propose a non-catalog course that focuses on a research project that supports the SUSI mission that is not part of his/her teaching load. The awards for these SUSI Overload Research Grants are for a maximum of $500 plus overload salary for teaching an additional course. The award can be used to fund the research process (e.g. photocopying, mailing expenses, supplies, travel to and from the research site, equipment, computer software, travel to libraries). At least six students must register for the course when it is offered. Note that courses satisfying general education designations will be given preference. Application form here.