Information for Faculty

"Undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity provide the most natural, and perhaps best, opportunities for ... faculty to deeply engage students."

-Jeffrey Osborn, 2009
Council on Undergraduate Research President

The AAC&U (Association of American Colleges and Universities) identifies Undergraduate Research as one of ten, High-Impact Educational Practices.  They have been widely tested and shown to be beneficial for college students from a variety of backgrounds.  Many colleges and universities are now providing undergraduate research experiences for students in all disciplines.  Through the AAC&U's LEAP (Liberal Education and America's Promise) initiative launched in 2005, the goals for college learning are more closely aligned with the needs of the new global century.  LEAP identifies research as one of the three strands of primary and concurrent work designed to provide evidence on the essential learning outcomes of a liberal education in helping students meet 21st century educational standards.

Ways Faculty Can Become Involved in Undergraduate Research on Campus

  1. Help to identify and encourage students who show an interest in exploring work outside the classroom. 
  2. Serve as a mentor or advisor for a student's independent research project.
  3. Invite a student to work with you on your own research project.
  4. Complete a Faculty Research Database Information Form (PDF) and submit it to The Center for Undergraduate Research to be included in our new Faculty Database.
  5. Serve on the Undergraduate Research Advisory Board.  Contact Dr. Carleen Graham, Director of The Center for Undergraduate Research, X2051, if you would like to be considered or have any questions.
  6. Attend any or all of the sessions and workshops offered by The Center for Undergraduate Research or the Title III Grant.

Funding and Resources