Benefits of Undergraduate Research

FOR THE STUDENT:

• Increased marketability for graduate school and employment
• Opportunity to apply theories which have been learned to practical, real-life situations
• Improved skill set which includes life-long learning, making connections between theory and practice, critical thinking, problem-solving, etc
• Enhanced professionalization/socialization through working with a faculty mentor
• Strong ties to WSU, which lead to increased alumni and donor involvement

FOR THE FACULTY:

• Forging strong connections with students through one-on-one mentoring
• Staying current in research and developments within discipline
• Improving pedagogical skill set Rewards and recognition within department, college, university and discipline

FOR THE DEPARTMENT & COLLEGE:

• Recognition through public sharing of faculty and student involvement
• Recruitment of new and transfer students
• Ongoing professional development of faculty
• Recruitment of new faculty
• Achievement of department and college goals for improved facilities, expanded funding base, etc.

FOR THE COMMUNITY:

• Strong connections with WSU that lead to involvement, donations, etc
• Achievement of community business and agency goals through WSU faculty and student projects