Designing and Implementing a Successful Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Program

Designing and Implementing a Successful Undergraduate Research Program is a resource for faculty, administrators, and university leaders interested in developing or expanding undergraduate research programs. This practical guide addresses the many 'how to' questions in running a successful undergraduate research enterprise - from how to organize an undergraduate research office, to how to find funding, foster cross-campus relationships, and develop learning outcomes for students that maximize the benefits of the research experience. Containing a series of vignettes offering specific advice from program directors, faculty mentors, and university administrators from a diverse array of universities and colleges, this book showcases their hands-on tips, advice and lessons learned. It also discusses best practices in mentoring, fitting faculty mentorship within the discussion of tenure and promotion, and the basics of assessment, for both funder reporting and program improvement.

Organized into 14 chapters, each of which is supplemented by activities and exercises, this book provides a step-by-step guide to the basics of organizing and managing an undergraduate research program for faculty and administrators. Addressing key issues through real-world experience, the authors show how to build effective cross-disciplinary undergraduate research programs with positive impacts for students and faculty.