CUREs and Undergraduate Research
Goal #1:
Increase the number of courses integrating CURES (26 courses by Year 5)
KU’s Title III project supports the development of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURES) that allow students to:
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Participate in research opportunities within their traditional course time.
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Overcome the barrier of unpaid research experiences for students who must work during the academic year and/or summer.
THE HOW?
Spearheaded by the Center of Engaged Learning, Dr. Erin Kraal and Mr. Doug Scott
- Faculty members attend the summer CURES Implementation Workshop and submit an Action Plan to receive a training stipend
- Mentors are selected from previous year participants and will receive stipends to build the next training pool of faculty and to serve as coaches through the following summer and fall terms
Goal # 2:
Increase undergraduate student awareness of and participation in research opportunities as a high-impact practice.
THE HOW?
Spearheaded by Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Dr. Lynn Kutch
- Provide materials to FYSM instructors to introduce all incoming students to undergraduate research opportunities early in their KU career
- Coordinate workshops each spring for students to discuss what undergraduate research entails, its importance, preparation, the process, selecting a topic, using library resources, and preparing for presentations and publications
- Create and maintain a database of faculty researchers across disciplines to assist students in identifying faculty research mentors
- Maintain a list of opportunities to publish and present student research at university, regional, state, and national professional conference
- Collaborate with programs that service our most underrepresented students (underrepresented minority, low-income, and first-generation) to increase their % of participation comparable to their share of KU enrollment
SUPPORTING FACULTY TO INCORPORATE RESEARCH INTO COURSES WILL BRING RESEARCH EXPERIENCES TO A WIDER STUDENT AUDIENCE.