the high point university undergraduate research and creative works program the high point...
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The High Point UniversityUndergraduate Research and
Creative Works Program
To engage students in scholarly, inventive, and imaginative experiences that not only bring academics to life, but which also
stimulate curiosity, promote the development of new competencies, foster critical and creative thinking, and provide students with
privileged opportunities to add to the sum of human knowledge.
URCW Committee Presentation to the Faculty
Faculty Seminars, August 17, 2011
Current and Former Members of the URCW Committee
Dr. Jana Spain, Professor of Psychology (chair)
Dr. Jeffrey Adams, Assistant VP for Institutional Effectiveness (ex-officio)
Mr. David Bryden, Director of Library Services
Dr. William Carpenter, Associate Professor of English
Ms. Karen Coffman, Assistant Professor of Information Systems
Dr. Linda Curtis, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Deborah Danzis, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Chris Fowler, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Terrell Hayes, Associate Professor of Sociology
Dr. William Hightower, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Sciences
Dr. Judy Isaksen, Associate Professor of Communication
Dr. Dustin Johnson, Assistant Professor of Education
Dr. Ann Little, Assistant Professor of Marketing
Dr. Emily Nekl, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Kelly Norton, Director of Experiential Learning (ex-officio)
Dr. Ed Piacentino, Professor of English
Dr. Kim Reich, Assistant Professor of Exercise Science
Mr. Roger Shore, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Ms. Ami Shupe, Associate Professor of Theatre
Dr. Aaron Titus, Associate Professor of Physics
The HPU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)
• The goal of the QEP was to “enhance overall institutional quality and
effectiveness by focusing on an issue or issues the institution considers important to improving student learning” (Handbook for Reaffirmation of Accreditation, p. 21).
• HPU’s focus: – Enhancement of experiential
learning opportunities for
students
Four Components of Experiential Learning
• Civic Engagement
• Study Abroad
• Internships
• Collaborative Inquiry – (now Undergraduate Research and Creative Works)
The Collaborative Inquiry (CI) Component
• Expected to build on
existing experiences• Envisioned as following
an apprenticeship or
mentoring model• Students would “work closely with a faculty
member or other students on a well-defined project suitable for publication, presentation, or performance”(Handbook for Reaffirmation of Accreditation, p. 29).
Undergraduate Research and Creative Works
• An individualized experience involving an inquiry, investigation, or creation produced by an undergraduate student– Mentored by a faculty member
• On a project initiated and designed by the student• As part of a collaborative research or creative team• On a project initiated by the faculty member
– Designed to reach beyond the traditional curriculum– Should achieve pre-identified learning objectives– Designed to lead to a final product
• Potential to make an original contribution to the discipline
The HPU Undergraduate Research and Creative Works Program
• Through this program, it is expected that students will:– Develop and apply advanced discipline-
specific knowledge– Develop critical thinking skills– Learn to formulate and clarify ideas– Learn to set and achieve measureable goals– Strengthen their communication skills– Acquire and practice career-relevant skills
Benefits for Students, Faculty, and the Institution
• Students– Clarification of career goals– Secure grants and summer research fellowships– Enhance competitiveness for grad. school/employment
• Faculty– Interactive teaching process– Greater awareness of the impact you have on student learning– Increased awareness of new developments in your field– Potential for increased productivity
• Institution– Enhancement of academic reputation– Recruitment/retention of students & faculty– Increased student and faculty engagement
Enrollment and Credit
• Students may enroll in a graded URCW course – Is elective (not required of all students)– Is intended primarily for majors– Is offered at the 4000 level (but open
to others)
– Carries 1-4 hours of academic credit• Counts either toward the major or general elective hours• 1 or 2 hours to “learn the ropes”• 3 or 4 hours to complete/present final project
– Can be repeated for credit
Enrollment and Credit
Student Application & Enrollment ProcessUnder development
In interim, use your department’s current enrollment procedure (for departments with an existing course) or use the university process for an Independent Study
Syllabus TemplateCurrently available at urcw.highpoint.edu
Undergraduate Research Conferences
• National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
• March 29-31, 2012, Weber State University, Utah
• Call for abstracts Oct. 3-Nov. 15, 2011
• State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS)
• November 19, 2011, East Carolina University
• Deadline for submissions Oct. 3, 2011
• Big South Undergraduate Research Symposium (BigSURS)
Travel Grants and Grants-in-Aid
Guidelines and Application Form available aturcw.highpoint.edu
Spring, 2011Supported 60+ students and faculty mentors
The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
HPU’s Enhanced MembershipIncludes membership for all HPU students, faculty, and staff
Membership benefits include:Electronic subscription to CUR QuarterlyDiscounted CUR Conference and Institute registrationAccess to CUR Listserv and other sources of info. about URCWStudent researcher registry
To join, go to:urcw.highpoint.edu