Undergraduate Research Strategic Plan

Daytona Beach Campus Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023 - 2026

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach aspires to provide transformative discovery and inquiry experiences to all undergraduate students. The team embraces the vision of our campus being an internationally recognized center for excellence in undergraduate research, innovation and scholarship, especially in the fields of aviation/aerospace, science and engineering, where every student engages in scholarly learning throughout their academic careers. In order to achieve this vision, the team has conducted extensive assessment engaging numerous stakeholders. As we conclude our Strategic Plan 2020 - 2023 and reflect upon the outcomes of these assessments, we have developed new approaches and comprehensive plans to usher in the next phase of undergraduate research. This approach, outlined herein as Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026, provides a clear path and associated key performance indicators for the future of the Office of Undergraduate Research as it continues its transition into an internationally recognized hub of innovation, inquiry, research and scholarship. The Strategic Plan 2023 - 2026 is organized around three key themes: superior research and innovation, engagement and outreach, assessment and effectiveness. These themes will guide OUR’s efforts as we continue to support and advance undergraduate research.

Note: This plan was adjusted to include strategic initiatives for FY25.

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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THE VISION Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach will be an internationally recognized center for excellence in undergraduate research, innovation and scholarship, especially in the fields of aviation/aerospace, science and engineering, where every student engages in scholarly learning throughout their academic careers.

THE MISSION To provide a diverse set of opportunities for all undergraduate students to enhance their education through engagement in research, inquiry, innovation and/or other scholarly projects.

THE OBJECTIVES To help students: apply critical thinking, ethics and information analyses in decision-making processes, understand the nature of research, investigation and scholarship, and utilize discipline-based inquiry skills in their communities to create or understand knowledge.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

The Office of Undergraduate Research is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and strives to ensure equitable access to all resources and opportunities including providing appropriate training and development to student researchers, their mentors and our staff.

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

THE THEMES

SUPERIOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH

ASSESSMENT AND EFFECTIVENESS

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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01 | SUPERIOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION By 2026, the Office of Undergraduate Research will enhance its culture and output of superior student research and innovation by developing faculty mentors, increasing programming and promoting collaboration. Through these transformative experiences, graduates will prepare for roles as leaders and change-makers in a global society where problem-solving through inquiry, research and innovation play a vital role.

ACTION ITEMS

Faculty Development

• Provide a comprehensive suite of faculty development resources including webinars, asynchronous modules, static tools, workshops and short courses including best practices for integrating scholarly learning pedagogies, inquiry and research practices into the curriculum.

Programming

• Develop and facilitate experiential learning and academic enrichment through a variety of comprehensive programs, initiatives and activities that empower students to be holistic professionals, lifelong learners, critical thinkers and experienced researchers. In addition, cultivate programming that increases undergraduate research opportunities within the research enterprise.

Collaboration

• Enhance collaboration with university stakeholders to increase Embry-Riddle’s visibility and position the university as the ultimate resource for industry and research solutions.

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

BENCHMARK ACTIVITIES

• Alumni Engagement • Annual Assessment • Annual Reporting • Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal • Conferences • Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) • Cross-Campus Multidiscipline Senior Design/Capstone Projects • Discovery Day Research Symposium • Entrepreneurial Opportunities

• Marketing and Outreach • National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Summer • OUR Advisory Board • Peer Mentors • Professional Development • Research Transcript Designation

• Research Database • Scholarly Commons • Spark Grant

• Strategic Partnerships • Student Internal Grant • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows • Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program

• Experiential Learning • Faculty Engagement • Florida Undergraduate Research Association • Grant Funding • Ignite Grant

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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02 | ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH By 2026, Embry-Riddle will receive national and/or international recognition as a premier undergraduate research institution. An emphasis will be placed on expanding the scope and breadth of student work, increasing student and faculty publication, and enhancing the image of the Office of Undergraduate Research.

ACTION ITEMS

Engagement

• Increase strategic collaboration with internal and external stakeholders towards more meaningful and more frequent engagement with the Office of Undergraduate Research. • Provide resources and support to undergraduate students and faculty that can be leveraged to increase publication and presentation of student works. • Develop equitable practices to recruit and support student researchers from under-served populations. • Enhance the research enterprise by cultivating a “research community” through collaborative programming, centralized resources and continuous feedback from stakeholders.

Outreach

• Bolster the image of the Office of Undergraduate Research and the university through prestigious recognitions (e.g., national grants, prestigious award, etc.) • Enhance connection between the regional community and the university through strategic communications and partnerships (e.g., news articles, community panels, etc.)

• Increase total available funding through the receipt of external grants and philanthropic partnerships leveraging university partners.

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

BENCHMARK ACTIVITIES

• Alumni Engagement • Annual Assessment • Annual Reporting • Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal • Conferences • Collaborative Grant • Community Collaboration • Cross-Campus Multidiscipline Senior Design/Capstone Projects • Discovery Day Research Symposium • Entrepreneurial Opportunities • Experiential Learning • Grant Funding • Ignite Grant • Marketing and Outreach • OUR Advisory Board

• Peer Mentors • Professional Development • Research Transcript Designation

• Research Database • Research Community • Social Media Marketing • Scholarly Commons • Spark Grant

• Strategic Partnerships • Student Internal Grant • Student Research Symposium • Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows • Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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03 | ASSESSMENT AND EFFECTIVENESS By 2026, the Office of Undergraduate Research will develop and employ industry-recognized standards of effectiveness through the creation and implementation of systemized assessment tools including, but not limited to, rubrics, programmatic student learning outcomes and ongoing formal and informal assessment strategies (e.g., CAS). Further, a culture of assessment for scholarly activities within the curriculum will be established.

ACTION ITEMS

• Engage a dynamic team of key stakeholders in regular assessment of current programming for effectiveness and alignment with the department and university mission, vision and strategic goals. • Utilize effective assessment tools within the university arena to continually assess the impact of the Office of Undergraduate Research on student success and research development while tracking research opportunities.

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

BENCHMARK ACTIVITIES

• Annual Assessment • Annual Reporting • Conferences • Cross-Campus Multidiscipline Senior Design/Capstone Projects • Discovery Day Research Symposium • OUR Advisory Board • Research Database • Research Transcript Designation • Strategic Partnerships • Student Research Symposium

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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OVERVIEW: PROGRAMS + KPIS

STUDENT CENTERED

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

DESCRIPTION

KPIS

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

Journal featuring works by undergraduate and graduate students on the Daytona Beach campus

Total submissions, participation of students in editorial and review board, readership

Collaborative Grant

Annual grant funding program providing funding to initiate or expand collaborative efforts across Daytona Beach, Prescott and Worldwide Campuses

Total applicants, total proposals, amount of funding requested, amount of funding awarded, amount of funding spent, review panel participation, rubric scores, pre and post-assessment of participants, participant surveys

Conferences

Regional, national and international conferences focused on student research (e.g., FURC, NCUR, Posters on the Hill, Posters at the Capital) Using academic based competitions to encourage cross-campus multidiscipline senior design/capstone projects

Total submissions, total accepted, total attendees, student awards won

Cross-Campus Multidiscipline Senior Design/ Capstone

Total number of student participants, total number of courses, and number of faculty engagement

Discovery Day Research Symposium

Student research symposium featuring poster and oral presentations with an award ceremony and reception

Total submissions, total participants, total posters, attendance at session(s), attendance at award ceremony, participant feedback survey, faculty/ staff engagement, rubric scores

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Collaborative events between OUR and the Center for Entrepreneurship which encourage turning research and development into entrepreneurial endeavors

Total participants, participant surveys, number of events (e.g., Quick Pitch Competition)

Experiential Learning Programs

Supplemental out of class experiences that enhances the skills of the student researcher (e.g., Honeywell)

Total participants, participant surveys, partner surveys

Fall Student Research Symposium

Student research symposium featuring poster presentations

Total submissions, total participants, total posters, attendance at session(s), participant feedback survey, faculty/ staff engagement, rubric scores

Superior Research & Innovation

Engagement & Outreach

Assessment & Effectiveness

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

DESCRIPTION

KPIS

Ignite Grant

Annual grant funding student research endeavors led by team of primarily undergraduate students, up to $10,000

Total applicants, total proposals, amount of funding requested, amount of funding awarded, amount of funding spent, review panel participation, rubric scores, pre and post-assessment of participants, participant surveys

Peer Mentors and Graduate Assistants

Team of experienced undergraduate researchers who mentor students in research

Total mentors, total mentees served, hours of mentorship, participant surveys, Program Coordinator feedback

Research Transcript Designation

Program for students who complete a series of research activities and benchmarks

Total applicants, total participants, participant surveys, applicant reflection/responses, performance evaluations

Scholarly Commons

Open access digital repository for Embry-Riddle scholarly works

Total submissions, total readership

Social Media Marketing

Regular posts from office platforms providing information regarding OUR activities distributed to faculty and students. The office’s Graduate Assistant will conduct marketing Small grants, up to $1,000, primarily for conference travel or small equipment purchases awarded to students on a rolling basis Summer program funding student researchers through stipends and supplemental funds to conduct and communicate their research

Total number of users engaging in content

Spark Grant

Total applicants, total amount requested, total awarded, participant outputs (e.g., publications)

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows

Total applicants, total participants, pre and post-assessment, participant survey, participant outputs (e.g., publications) Total applicants, total proposals, amount of funding requested, amount of funding awarded, amount of funding spent, review panel participation, rubric scores, pre and post-assessment of participants, participant surveys

Student Internal Grant

Annual grant funding students research endeavors for master and undergraduate students up to $7,500

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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FACULTY CENTERED

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

DESCRIPTION

KPIS

Faculty Engagement Program

Development of programming that enhances the faculty experience and leads to student success in research endeavors

Total number of programs per semester

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)

National organization supporting faculty in undergraduate research mentorship

Total members, total active members, total member attendance at CUR conferences, total member service on CUR committees

Florida Undergraduate Research Association

Statewide organization supporting faculty in undergraduate research mentorship

Total number of student and faculty presenters and/or attendees

OUR Advisory Board

Campus-wide committee of college representatives serving as advocates and liaisons for undergraduate research

Total participants, participant surveys

Research Database

Database through the library to track faculty research profiles

Total numbers of active faculty profiles

Superior Research & Innovation

Engagement & Outreach

Assessment & Effectiveness

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

ADMINISTRATIVE + EXTERNAL

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

DESCRIPTION

KPIS

Alumni Engagement

Activities geared towards engaging Embry-Riddle graduates with OUR activities

Total number of initiatives, total number of participants, participant feedback

Annual Assessment

Conducted in the spring, the annual assessment of OUR activities using CAS standards and analyzing strategic plan KPIs Presented at the start of the fall term, an annual report of OUR provided to administration and stakeholders

Final report, KPIs achieved

Annual Reporting

Final report

Grant Funding

All external/extramural funding (e.g., grants, philanthropic support)

Total applications submitted, total projects funded, amount of awards, total funding

Marketing and Outreach

All communications intended to promote awareness of and engagement in OUR

Press releases, promotional items, and page clicks, social media followers, social media post engagement

Professional Development

Staff participation in Undergraduate Research professional development (e.g., URPD)

Total number of professional development activities

Strategic Partnerships

Collaborations between key campus partners (e.g., Center for Entrepreneurship, CTLE, Prestigious Awards, Philanthropy and Development)

Total number of initiatives, participant feedback, initiative outcomes

Superior Research & Innovation

Engagement & Outreach

Assessment & Effectiveness

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

PROGRAMMATIC GOALS + KPIS

STUDENT CENTERED

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

2023 - 2024

2024 - 2025

2025 - 2026

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

Publish 6th issue in Summer 2024 with 8+ articles

Publish 7th issue in Summer 2025 with 8+ articles

Publish 8th issue in Summer 2026 with 8+ articles

Receive 12+ manuscripts for consideration

Receive 14+ manuscripts for consideration

Receive 15+ manuscripts for consideration

Engage 3+ students as editors/reviewers

Engage 3+ students as editors/reviewers

Engage 4+ students as editors/reviewers

Conferences (Based on availability)

Facilitate attendance of 8+ students to FURC

Facilitate attendance of 10+ students to FURC

Facilitate attendance of 12+ students to FURC

Facilitate attendance of 4+ students to NCUR

Facilitate attendance of 5+ students to NCUR

Facilitate attendance of 6+ students to NCUR

Collaborative Grant

Award (1) Research Teams

Award (1) Research Teams

Award (1) Research Teams

75% completion rate of program benchmarks by participants

80% completion rate of program benchmarks by participants

85% completion rate of program benchmarks by participants

Discovery Day Research Symposium

Display 85 total posters

Display 95 total posters

Display 105 total posters

Host 145+ guests during sessions

Host 155+ guests during sessions

Host 165+ guests during sessions

Host 120+ guests during the awards ceremony

Host 125+ guests during the awards ceremony

Host 130+ guests during the awards ceremony

Feature 2+ oral presentations

Feature 3+ oral presentations

Feature 4+ oral presentations

80% or higher satisfaction rate of participants/attendees based on survey responses

82% or higher satisfaction rate of participants/attendees based on survey responses

85% or higher satisfaction rate of participants/attendees based on survey responses

Entrepreneurship

Host 1+ collaborative event promoting the research to entrepreneurship pipeline

Host 1+ collaborative event promoting the research to entrepreneurship pipeline

Engage 10+ students, faculty and/or staff in the event

Engage 15+ students, faculty and/or staff in the event

Fall Student Research Symposium

Display 75 total undergraduate posters

Display 80 total undergraduate posters

Display 85 total undergraduate posters

Host 100+ guests during sessions

Host 125+ guests during sessions

Host 150+ guests during sessions

80% or higher satisfaction rate of participants/attendees based on survey responses

82% or higher satisfaction rate of participants/attendees based on survey responses

85% or higher satisfaction rate of participants/attendees based on survey responses

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

2023 - 2024

2024 - 2025

2025 - 2026

Ignite Grant

Receive 20+ applications

Receive 22+ applications

Receive 25+ applications

Award $60,000+

Award $62,000+

Award $65,000+

Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 5% Average score of applicants, per committee rubric scoring, of 50% or higher

Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 10% Average score of applicants, per committee rubric scoring, of 60% or higher

Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 12% Average score of applicants, per committee rubric scoring, of 70% or higher

Outreach Presentations

Conduct 5 outreach presentations to the campus community

Conduct 10 outreach presentations to the campus community

Conduct 15 outreach presentations to the campus community

Peer Mentors

Maintain a trained team of 4+ mentors representing 2+ colleges Host 2+ mentor training sessions, including 1 on implicit bias and research in diverse teams Presentation of OUR resources/opportunities at 10+ classes in the fall and 2+ classes in the spring 75% needs resolution for all walk-ins within 6 weeks of initial contact

Maintain a trained team of 5+ mentors representing 3+ colleges Host 3+ mentor training sessions, including 1 on implicit bias and research in diverse teams Presentation of OUR resources/opportunities at 15+ classes in the fall and 3+ classes in the spring 80% needs resolution for all walk-ins within 6 weeks of initial contact

Maintain a trained team of 5+ mentors representing 3+ colleges Host 3+ mentor training sessions, including 1 on implicit bias and research in diverse teams Presentation of OUR resources/opportunities at 20+ classes in the fall and 4+ classes in the spring 85% needs resolution for all walk-ins within 6 weeks of initial contact

Tracking of 100% of all contact meetings

Tracking of 100% of all contact meetings

Tracking of 100% of all contact meetings

Research Transcript Designation

Award 5+ recipients

Award 10+ recipients

Award 15+ recipients

Attendance of 5+ at award ceremonies

Attendance of 10+ at award ceremonies

Attendance of 15+ at award ceremonies

Profile of 1+ research certificate receipt featured on ERAU News

Profile of 2+ research certificate receipt featured on ERAU News

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

2023 - 2024

2024 - 2025

2025 - 2026

Spark Grant

Increase applications by 5% from FY23

Increase applications by 10% from FY23

Increase applications by 15% from FY23

75% completion rate of deliverables

80% completion rate of deliverables

85% completion rate of deliverables

Student Internal Grant Receive 8+ applications

Receive 10+ applications

Receive 12+ applications

Award $25,000

Award $25,000

Award $25,000

Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 5% Average score of applicants, per committee rubric scoring, of 70% or higher

Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 7% Average score of applicants, per committee rubric scoring, of 73% or higher

Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 10% Average score of applicants, per committee rubric scoring, of 75% or higher

Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows

Receive 14+ applications

Receive 18+ applications

Receive 20+ applications

Award 12+ Fellowships

Award 16+ Fellowships

Award 18+ Fellowships

80% completion rate of program benchmarks by participants Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 5%

85% completion rate of program benchmarks by participants Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 10%

90% completion rate of program benchmarks by participants Increased overall score between pre and post- assessment of participants by 15%

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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FACULTY CENTERED

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

2023 - 2024

2024 - 2025

2025 - 2026

Faculty Focused Program

Engage faculty in 2+ training or presentation events

Engage faculty in 3+ training or presentation events

Engage faculty in 4+ training or presentation events

75% satisfaction rate

80% satisfaction rate

85% satisfaction rate

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)

Increase member registration under enhanced membership by 5% from FY23 2+ faculty/staff members attendance at CUR conference(s) Participation of 1+ faculty/ staff member as CUR Councilor

Increase member registration under enhanced membership by 10% from FY23 3+ faculty/staff members attendance at CUR conference(s) Participation of 1+ faculty/ staff member as CUR Councilor

Increase member registration under enhanced membership by 15% from FY23 4+ faculty/staff members attendance at CUR conference(s)

Participation of faculty/staff team at 1+ CUR Institute

Participation of 1+ faculty/ staff member as CUR Councilor

OUR Advisory Board

Develop a potential list of advisory board members of 6+ individuals with 2+ representatives from each college

Recruit and retain an advisory board of 8+ individuals with 3+ representatives from each college

Recruit and retain an advisory board of 10+ individuals with representation from all 4 colleges

Host 1+ meeting per semester

Host 1+ meeting per semester

Host 1+ meeting per semester

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

ADMINISTRATIVE + EXTERNAL

PROGRAM / ACTIVITY

2023 - 2024

2024 - 2025

2025 - 2026

Alumni Engagement

Co-host 1+ Events with Alumni Relations with six student researchers participating

Co-host 1+ Events with Alumni Relations with eight student researchers participating

Co-host 1+ Events with Alumni Relations with 10 student researchers participating

30 attendees at the event

50 attendees at the event

Annual Assessment (External Office Review)

Conduct the annual CAS assessment, engaging university or external stakeholders Develop action plan to address areas of need identified in the assessment process

Conduct the annual CAS assessment, engaging university or external stakeholders Develop action plan to address areas of need identified in the assessment process

Annual Reporting

Publish the annual report by August 1, 2024

Publish the annual report by August 1, 2025

Publish the annual report by August 1, 2026

Marketing and Outreach

Be featured 4+ times in ERAU News

Be featured 5+ times in ERAU News

Be featured 6+ times in ERAU News

Invite local news outlets, industry partners and

Invite local news outlets, industry partners, and

Invite local news outlets, industry partners, and

community stakeholders to all major events, including SRS and Discovery Day

community stakeholders to all major events, including SRS and Discovery Day

community stakeholders to all major events, including SRS and Discovery Day

Professional Development

80% completion of professional development training by all staff members, including student staff; Student staff professional development must be internal

85% completion of professional development training by all staff members, including student staff; Student staff professional development must be internal Maintain relationship with Philanthropy and Development with semesterly communication

90% completion of professional development training by all staff members, including student staff; Student staff professional development must be internal. Maintain relationship with Philanthropy and Development with semesterly communication

Strategic Partnerships

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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STRATEGIC PARTNERS AND STAKEHOLDERS

Administration Board of Trustees

Office of the President Office of the Provost

Office of the Chancellor, Worldwide Office of the Chancellor, Prescott Institutional Research

Institutional Review Board University Research Council Office of Assessment and Accreditation Office of the Vice President of Research and Doctoral Programs

External Stakeholders Council on Undergraduate Research Florida Undergraduate Research Association Industry Partners

MicaPlex Research Park Industry Advisory Board Professional Organizations Community Organizations

University Teams Associate Deans of Research Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence College Deans College Research Councils Faculty Faculty Senate School of Graduate Studies Research Communications and Marketing Philanthropy and Development Undergraduate Research, Prescott and Worldwide

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

Student Services Academic Advancement/Writing Center Career Services First Year Programs Global Engagement Honors Program Jack R. Hunt Memorial Library Registered Student Organizations Student Engagement and Student Union Student Employment

Student Government Association Office of the Dean of Students Office of Awards and Fellowships

ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS, EVENTS AND INITIATIVES

Summer Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Climbing Program Budget Allocations Collaborative Grant Strategic Planning and Assessment Review

Summer New Student Orientation ConnectUR Annual Conference

Fall Research Match Day Florida Statewide Symposium for Best Practices in Undergraduate Research Student Research Symposium

Homecoming Open House

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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FALL NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

Spring Discovery Day Student Research Symposium Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Family Weekend Ignite Grant Student Internal Grant Florida Undergraduate Research Conference National Conference on Undergraduate Research Preview Days Spring New Student Orientation Yearlong Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program Research Transcript Designation Honeywell Mentoring and Research Experience Spark Grants

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The Office of Undergraduate Research

Strategic Plan + 2023 - 2026

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