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Preamble:
Undergraduate research activities are an essential and integral part of a good
curriculum and are vital to a university's success both in terms of
productivity and in preparing students for graduate studies and an
ever-changing marketplace.
Questions:
We consider the following questions;
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What role should undergraduate research play in the curriculum?
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How can we encourage our students to become actively engaged in the research
process?
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What are the most effective ways available to us at Lincoln to foster
meaningful student participation in faculty research?
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What characteristics should an undergraduate research program possess that will
attract our more able students?
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What should the role of faculty be?
The Goal:
The goal of Undergraduate Research should be:
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To engage a certain percentage of our students in undergraduate research at the
University and in external research partnerships.
In order to do this, we must:
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Mobilize a critical number of faculty, at least fifty percent (50%) of each
department, and
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Develop relationships and partnerships with research universities and companies
for student internships.
Policies:
Lincoln University must have a clear policy on research in its Strategic Plan.
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Role of research in stimulating interest in science and other disciplines
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Role of research in enhancing understanding
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Role of research in developing critical thinking skills
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Interest in graduate studies
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Benefit to students, faculty, institution and the society must be articulated
Benefits to Students, Faculty and University:
Undergraduate research is of benefit to all students but, particularly, it may
assist in the retention of talented students. It may also lead to these
students having gained an interest and a passion for research - assist in their
decision to go on to graduate school.
Student
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Increases student interest in their disciplines
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Strengthens student's critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills
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Makes students more competitive for graduate and professional schools
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Prepares students for rigors of graduate and professional schools
Faculty
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Provides a mechanism for faculty to pursue research year round<
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Keeps faculty in closer touch with their fields
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Provides an environment to allow for greater funding possibilities
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Allows close collaboration with other faculty and students
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