URC Planning Conference
January 15-16, 2001

Guiding Principles
for Undergraduate Research Institutional Plans

1. Outline why engagement in the research/scholarship process is important for UG

2. Provide UG the opportunity to participate in Scholarship/Research

• A progressive and elective scheme
• Immersion in the culture and process of scholarship
• Link students to highly qualified faculty scholars

3. Develop a scheme for the progression of relevant experiences

• Active learning experiences throughout curriculum
• Instruction on the research process (philosophy, methods, ethics etc)
• Class – research project and report
• Participate in faculty/grad student research group
• Independent study – e.g., honor thesis
• Summer experiences and distant learning at other URC institutions
• Learn to disseminate research and scholarship
• Receive Recognition for scholarship

4. Faculty/Departments need essential resources to develop UG scholarship

• Faculty time
• Funds to conduct scholarship
• Equipment
• Efficient student training
• Travel/publication fees
• Develop faculty skills to act as mentors of UG research

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Vision:

That research perspectives are developed at the UG level in the Human Sciences so as to foster student scholarship, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in preparation for professional roles and advanced study.

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Task Group: Karl Newell, Aimee Prawitz, Sue Whitaker, Virginia Moxley (Task Force Chair),

Priorities:

• Ensure there is an Unit Plan Promoting Undergraduate Research
• The research experience should be inquiry driven
• Assess and disseminate current level of UG research activity and articulate best practices