Vision • Definition • Goals

Vision

 To strengthen and enhance the learning environment at Weber State University by engaging and mentoring students as researchers and scholars within and across the disciplines and while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Definition

 Undergraduate research includes research, scholarly and creative activities conducted by undergraduate students, in collaboration with mentors, for the purposes of examining, creating or sharing knowledge or works in ways consistent with practices within the discipline. Undergraduate research is oriented toward a student's intellectual growth and development, and is as much about effective teaching and learning as it is about contribution to knowledge. Therefore, the role of the mentor is both that of chief researcher and lead teacher. Undergraduate research, and scholarly and creative activities must include:
  • inquiry, study or investigation of a question or problem which is actively generated or shaped by the student;
  • methodology, including safety and ethical practices, appropriate to the discipline;
  • relevant, meaningful, and engaging intellectual or creative contribution and/or application to the discipline which is of high-quality and which results in a tangible product (abstract, paper, performance, object) which can be shared or disseminated; and
  • ongoing supervision and mentoring by individuals with appropriate expertise.

Goals
  1. Increase the visibility of undergraduate research, and scholarly and creative activities at WSU.
  2. Increase the number of WSU faculty and students who participate in high-quality undergraduate research, and scholarly and creative activities.
  3. Increase the likelihood that undergraduate research, and scholarly and creative activities become a strategic priority for WSU and key administrators.
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Weber State University, Office of Undergraduate Research

Ogden, Utah 84408-2912

801-626-8541