WHAT IS UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH (UR)?

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) defines "undergraduate research" as

An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original, intellectual, or creative contribution to the discipline.

The Elon Undergraduate Research Program Advisory Committee expanded this definition in 2006 to clearly indicate the role and importance of faculty mentoring in the UR process.

Undergraduate Research & Creative Endeavors includes activities undertaken by an undergraduate student with significant faculty mentoring that: (1) lead to new scholarly insights and/or the creation of new works; (2) add to the discipline; and (3) involve critical analysis of the process and/or outcome of the activities. Quality undergraduate research and creative activity result in a product that has potential for peer-reviewed dissemination in the form of presentations, publications, exhibitions, or performances.

This definition underlies the decisions made with respect to grants, scholarships, and fellowships.  It is not expected that all undergraduate research result in peer-reviewed dissemination, but rather that the endeavor has that potential. 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES EXIST:

Elon's Undergraduate Research Program provides financial support for the following programs:

1. 499 - Credit for Research

The 499 system provides a means for students to receive credit for conducting UR (usually during the academic year) as well as a means for compensating faculty who mentor UR.

2. Travel Grants
Provides financial support for students who attend professional conferences to present their research.
3. Research Grants
Program provides financial support for student-faculty research.
4. Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
Currently, this program provides stipends and on-campus housing for students to work collaboratively with a faculty mentor on a summer research project.
5. Spring Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF)
This is Elon's annual April on-campus conference for students to present their research.
6. National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
The program supports students traveling to NCUR to present their research.
7. RAWLS Undergraduate Research Scholarships/Grants
The program makes seven awards annually to support students conducting intensive research with a faculty mentor.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

The best way to get involved in undergraduate research is to talk with your professors about their research interests. The department chair of your major department and your academic advisor are also good resources for finding out about opportunities. The Undergraduate Research Program Office is located in the Alamance  Building, Rm 218.

WHY PARTICIPATE:

Undergraduate Research can help you apply classroom learning to new areas. It is a unique opportunity to experience first-hand what professionals in your field do and to develop an understanding of how your field can overlap with other disciplines. Working with a faculty mentor on his of her research allows you to benefit from his/her expertise and experience.

For questions and comments, please contact
Dr. Karl Sienerth

Elon University Updated: 22 August 2007 (Sienerth)