Council on Undergraduate Research
December E-Newsletter
In this Issue:
National Office News:
Audio-Conference on Promoting an Undergraduate Research Culture
Notification for CUR Councilors of Nominations Vetting Committee
Posters on the Hill 2008
Call for Proposals for 2008 CUR National Conference
CUR Welcomes New Institutional Members
CUR Publishes a PowerPoint Presentation for Recruitment and Distribution
CUR Institutes:
CUR Regional Workshop Program on Institutionalizing Undergraduate Research
Initiating and Sustaining Undergraduate Research Programs
Institutionalizing Undergraduate Research
Beginning a Research Program in the Natural Sciences at a Predominantly Undergraduate Institution
Mentorship, Collaboration and Undergraduate Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Proposal Writing Institute
Ongoing CUR Offerings:
Undergraduate Researcher's Graduate School Registry
Developing and Sustaining a Research - Supportive Curriculum: A Compendium of Successful Practices
Washington Partners News:
All Appropriations, All the Time
NSF Programs May See Change
Opportunities:
LI-COR Announces Second LEEF Program for Undergraduate Institutions
University of Arizona NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program
Minority Fellowship Program: Graduate Fellowships in Psychology and Neuroscience
Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM)
American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellowships
Summer Research Program at Janelia Farm
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Scholarship and Fellowship Program
Geoscience Student Spring Internship in Public Policy
National Office News:
Audio-Conference on Promoting an Undergraduate Research Culture:
On Wednesday, December 12, at 2 p.m. Eastern, Kerry Karukstis, a professor of chemistry at Harvey Mudd College and president of the Council on Undergraduate Research, will discuss how colleges can create or sustain such programs. Her presentation will include ideas on:
How colleges should devise undergraduate research programs consistent with their missions.
How to build from a core group of interested faculty members to sustain the program.
How the curriculum can support undergraduate research efforts.
The importance of celebrating successes and milestones in these programs.
How to assess the impact of research programs and to use the results to improve them.
The "Promoting an Undergraduate Research Culture" audio conference costs $175 for a single telephone line; listen yourself or with a group. Upon registering, you'll be e-mailed information about how to dial in. A day before the conference, you will receive a PowerPoint Presentation that you can use to follow along with Kerry Karukstis’ presentation. This is an audio-only conference; you will not need to be connected to the Internet to participate.
For more information and registration, please visit http://events.webeventservices.com/insidehighered/2007/12/12/
Notification for CUR Councilors of Nominations Vetting Committee:
At the 2007 Annual Business Meeting, CUR Councilors discussed ways to improve the current Elections Process for CUR Officers. Changes to the CUR Constitution have been proposed and the CUR Councilors have received a ballot to vote on these changes to the CUR Constitution. Should these changes be approved, there will be a need to create a Nominations Vetting Committee.
Due to the time constraints on putting this plan into action before the next CUR Officer elections, the preliminary work has been done to create a ballot of nominees to serve on the Nominations Vetting Committee.
CUR Councilors should review the changes to the CUR Constitution and submit their votes to approve or reject the changes by December 7, 2007. Should these changes be approved, CUR Councilors should also look for a special ballot to elect the first members of the Nominations Vetting Committee.
The creation of this committee will not change the method currently used to elect CUR Councilors. The election for CUR Councilors will proceed as regularly scheduled, from January 7, 2008 through January 31, 2008. All CUR Members will receive this ballot by email.
Posters on the Hill 2008:
Applications for the 2008 event are currently under review, and applicants will be notified by February 15, 2008.
Posters on the Hill is tentatively scheduled for April 30, 2008 in Washington, D.C.
A student that attended the 2007 event has prepared an article for in Chemistry, a publication of the American Chemical Society. To view this article, please visit the following link: http://www.cur.org/pdf/inchemistrypoharticle.pdf
Call for Proposals for 2008 CUR National Conference:
CUR is now accepting proposals for Poster Presentations for the 2008 CUR National Conference to be held at the College of Saint Benedict, in Saint Joseph, Minnesota. The theme is "Frontiers and Challenges in Undergraduate Research". A description of the theme, as well as sub themes are available by visiting the conference web page at http://www.cur.org/conferences/CSB/CUR08NatConf.asp
Deadline for Poster Presentations is February 1, 2008. The deadline for Workshops and Interactive sessions has passed.
CUR Welcomes New Institutional Members:
Cottey College
Mississippi State University
Rider University
University of Arizona
CUR Publishes a PowerPoint Presentation for Recruitment and Distribution:
A PowerPoint presentation is available for download on the CUR homepage. This presentation can be used to disseminate information about CUR to your colleagues and to your administration to help advocate for membership in CUR, or to simply learn about the services that CUR has to offer. Please visit http://www.cur.org to view the PowerPoint.
CUR Institutes:
CUR Regional Workshop Program on Institutionalizing Undergraduate Research:
The application for the CUR Regional Workshop Program on Institutionalizing Undergraduate Research is now available online at http://www.cur.org/grants/ccliworkshops.asp
The Council on Undergraduate Research has received a grant in the amount of $499,066 from the National Science Foundation. The program includes eight regional workshops over the next two years and follow-up activities for institutions that participate in the regional workshops. The purpose of the grant is to assist campuses in making institution-level changes to establish, formalize, and expand undergraduate research opportunities. These workshops will be directed toward campuses that have not yet institutionalized undergraduate research. Workshop sites have been identified and dates have been confirmed. The application and further information are available on the regional workshop website at http://www.cur.org/ccli.html
Upcoming Regional Workshops:
South Central
University of Texas, El Paso, January 18-20, 2008
Application Deadline: December 14, 2007
West
California State University, Northridge, February 15-17, 2008
Application Deadline: January 4, 2008
Northwest
Lewis & Clark College, February 29-March 2, 2008
Application Deadline: January 18, 2008
Northeast
Buffalo State College (NY), September 26-28, 2008
Application Deadline: August 15, 2008
Midwest
Hope College (MI), October 10-12, 2008
Application Deadline: September 1, 2008
Central
Truman State University (MO), October 24-26, 2008
Application Deadline: September 15, 2008
Initiating and Sustaining Undergraduate Research Programs:
The application deadline for this institute has been extended to December 21, 2007.
This institute will be held February 15-17, 2008 at the University of Arizona, at the Biosphere 2 Facilities.
The purpose of the institute is to provide new directors of undergraduate research programs the means to develop and effectively administer their programs and to help seasoned directors disseminate best practices and further build and improve their programs.
This institute has the following goals:
• To provide models of effective UR Programs
• To equip UR Program directors with a “tool-kit” of essential items needed for running an undergraduate research program
• To provide access to resources that are available for directors for continuous development of their undergraduate research programs
• To provide UR Program directors with “mentors” who are willing to provide advice after the institute ends
• To further develop a network of directors that will extend beyond the dates of the workshops
• To share with directors a variety of campus models that include broad disciplinary scope and focus, and work with students at different stages of their academic careers.
Registration is available by visiting: http://www.cur.org/institutes/isurp.html
Institutionalizing Undergraduate Research:
This CUR Institute will be held June 5-7, 2008 at Malaspina University - College in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
This workshop will bring together teams of three to five faculty members and administrators from institutions that are interested either in initiating an undergraduate research program or in institutionalizing existing research activities. The three days will consist of plenary lectures presented by facilitators associated with CUR interspersed with individual team meetings with CUR mentors. The teams will begin the workshop by meeting with their facilitator and reflecting on the current status of undergraduate research on their campuses. This inventory will include the examination of institutional strengths, as well as the obstacles currently preventing achievement of desired results. After this assessment, the teams will begin formulating mission statements, goals, and action plans for their own institutions. The event will conclude with the teams discussing their plans with the entire community.
Registration will be available shortly. Updates will be available on the CUR Website.
Beginning a Research Program in the Natural Sciences at a Predominantly Undergraduate Institution:
This CUR Institute will be held June 6-8, 2008 at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina.
Starting a successful research program and doing scholarly work at a predominantly undergraduate institution poses unique challenges for a beginning faculty member. The overall goal of the institute is to give pre-tenured faculty the opportunity to learn from and discuss with experienced faculty how to establish and manage a research program with undergraduates. A range of topics will be covered during the institute, and the specific goals include ways to achieve career success in undergraduate research by learning how to:
• select undergraduate researchers
• mentor student researchers to develop and use their research skills
• mentor students in their writing of research reports and theses
• develop and select research projects appropriate for undergraduates
• adapt to an undergraduate research environment vs. that in graduate school
• link research to the classroom
• develop grantsmanship skills related to gaining external and institutional research support
Registration is available by visiting: http://www.cur.org/institutes/newfaculty.html
Mentorship, Collaboration and Undergraduate Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities:
This CUR Institute will be held July 18-20, 2008 at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The institute will bring together teams of three to five faculty members and administrators engaged in enhancing undergraduate research opportunities at their home institutions, focusing on undergraduate research as faculty development, student-based inquiry and institutional support structure. The three days will consist of plenary lectures presented by facilitators associated with CUR interspersed with individual team meetings with CUR mentors. Faculty and administrators from disciplines throughout the social sciences and humanities will spend the weekend discussing models of undergraduate research, mentorship and collaboration; what "research" and "mentorship" mean in different disciplines in the social sciences and humanities; assessing the value of undergraduate research; and means of augmenting funding for undergraduate research internally and externally.
Registration is available by visiting: http://www.cur.org/institutes/socscihum.html
Proposal Writing Institute:
This CUR Institute will be held July 20-24, 2008 at Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio. The institute will bring together faculty and administrators interested in preparing proposals for submission to external funding agencies. This four-day institute will consist of one-on-one work with a mentor, small group discussions, writing and critiquing of proposals, and plenary sessions. The institute has been developed to assist novice to experienced proposal writers in drafting complete proposals for submission.
Registration is available by visiting: http://www.cur.org/institutes/proposal.html
Ongoing CUR Offerings:
Undergraduate Researcher's Graduate School Registry:
Please encourage your students to sign up for the Undergraduate Researcher's Graduate School Registry. The purpose of this registry is to facilitate connections between undergraduates and graduate schools seeking high quality students who are well prepared for research. More information and the submission form are available at: http://www.cur.org/ugreg/
Developing and Sustaining a Research - Supportive Curriculum: A Compendium of Successful Practices:
This publication is available for purchase via the order form. The cost is $45.00 plus shipping costs, and individual members are eligible for a reduced rate of $35.00, plus shipping costs.
Washington Partners News:
All Appropriations, All the Time
It has been unusually quiet on Capitol Hill in recent days. A long Thanksgiving weekend turned into a full two-week Harvest Recess for lawmakers, although the Senate did technically stay in session to prevent White House recess appointments. Congress reconvenes on Tuesday, December 4 with a long list of urgent business to complete before the next holiday break and no obvious plan for how everything will get done.
Of primary importance is the FY 2008 budget. Only one of twelve funding bills has been signed into law to date, which means that funding for most of the agencies that invest in undergraduate research is still undetermined. The continuing resolution that keeps federal funds flowing right now will expire on December 14. Following the showdown over spending priorities and the President’s veto of the appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education and Congress’ failure to override it, Senate and House Democratic leaders came up with a compromise plan to guide federal spending. They proposed to the Administration that the two sides split the difference regarding their disagreement about how much spending is enough for the coming year. That proposal means reducing the $22 billion gap between the President’s February budget plan and the Budget Resolution adopted by the Congress to $11 billion.
For the LHHS bill, which funds the National Institutes of Health and programs at the Department of Education, that reduced spending means a $3.5 billion cut from the vetoed conference report. House Republican leaders have been similarly negative about the compromise. Senate Republicans, however, appear tired of the fighting and there have been reports of meetings with the White House urging them to soften their stand against any increases in spending for domestic priorities. In spite of the frosty reception the proposal received from the Administration, Appropriations Committee staff is moving forward, revising the spending levels in the budget bills for all affected federal agencies. The deadline they face is December 5th, in time to prepare for a mark-up on December 11th where an omnibus bill will be presented.
If the latest strategy fails, the Congress is left with two options. Pass another continuing resolution, likely to last until March and keep on trying to resolve differences between political parties and the Administration in the hopes of salvaging some modest spending increases for critical programs. Alternatively, Congress could adopt a continuing resolution that would cover federal spending for the entire year. That solution means the loss of any earmarked funding for the second year in a row, and that funding for any new programs is unlikely, sacrifices that many Members will undoubtedly oppose. It would also mean a more significant reduction—as high as five percent—for the Department of Education—something education advocates would similarly find very disappointing after a year that began with such promise for those hoping for long absent increases.
NSF Programs May See Change
The Education and Human Resources Advisory Committee at the National Science Foundation (NSF) recently met to consider ongoing planning and projects, and upcoming efforts. The panel heard from staff about current projects and collaborative efforts that involve the Directorate and other parts of the agency.
The discussions at the meeting clearly were affected by the recent enactment of the America COMPETES Act, which was signed into law in August this year. That law authorizes a number of new programs at NSF and other agencies, and also includes provisions that require the Foundation to formalize collaborative efforts with other federal agencies.
Influenced by the new law’s proposals, Cora Marrett, Assistant Director for the Directorate for Education and Human Resources at the Foundation, presented a new approach to managing the Directorate’s programs to the Committee. Noting that the increased attention paid to competitiveness issues and related federal investments in research and education had provoked some degree of introspection at the Directorate, she suggested the consideration of organizing the directorate thematically versus the current structure that revolves around discrete programs. She suggested that thinking about programs that address similar issues and managing them differently might maximize federal investments, yield a number of efficiencies and encourage more creativity from NSF program officers as well as grantees.
Dr. Marrett’s proposal received praise from the panel, although subsequent conversations with NSF staff and stakeholders suggest that the changes proposed require significant effort and cooperation at the Foundation. It is unclear how far the plan will go, but it will likely be discussed at the December meeting of the National Science Board.
Opportunities:
The CUR National Office has received the following announcements:
LI-COR Announces Second LEEF Program for Undergraduate Institutions:
LI-COR Biosciences is contributing more than $500,000 in funding for colleges and universities through its LI-COR Environmental Education Fund (LEEF II) program. The LEEF II program is intended for undergraduate college programs in biology, environmental science, and related fields. At least twenty grants will be awarded for use by four-year undergraduate institutions to acquire the LI-COR LEEF II Package that includes the LI-6400XTR Portable Photosynthesis and Fluorescence System.
The LEEF program is part of LI-COR's ongoing commitment to help colleges enhance their undergraduate science programs using inquiry-based learning.
“The versatility of the LI-6400 should also foster creativity among students to develop and ask significant or global experimental questions, which can be addressed at a local level,” says Dr. Andreas Madlung, University of Puget Sound, a LEEF program recipient.
Additional information on the LEEF II program is available at www.licor.com/leef. The application deadline is December 31, 2007.
For more information, contact:
Kristin Feese
LEEF Program Coordinator
LI-COR Biosciences
4647 Superior Street
Lincoln, NE 68504
402-467-0700
University of Arizona NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program:
The University of Arizona seeks applicants to the NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Molecular Biosciences at the University of Arizona for the summer of 2008. This 12 week program is targeted to students from institutions where research experiences are not readily available and to minority students underrepresented in the sciences. Students receive wages and a housing/food allowance of $1,200, as well as transportation to and from Tucson. The program begins May 18 and concludes August 8, 2008. Students work in research groups using molecular techniques to explore a broad range of topics. The research experience is supplemented by small group discussions, lectures and field trips. For more information and to apply, students should go to: https://ubrp.arizona.edu/visiting/default.cfm The deadline for applications is February 1, 2008.
The University of Arizona is an Institutional Member of CUR.
Minority Fellowship Program: Graduate Fellowships in Psychology and Neuroscience:
The Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) offers the following fellowships
The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (MHSAS) Fellowship is aimed at those pursuing doctoral degrees in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, or other mental health services areas. This program is primarily for individuals who want to deliver services.
The MHSAS Postdoctoral Fellowship is aimed at early career doctoral recipients who are interested in developing a career in mental health service delivery, policy, or services-related research.
The Diversity Program in Neuroscience Fellowship is geared to those pursuing careers in neuroscience. Predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships are offered. Doctoral students or early career doctoral recipients in psychology or any life science discipline related to neuroscience may apply.
Note: Individuals may apply to only one of the MFP fellowships. The application deadline is January 15.
The MFP’s mission is to increase the knowledge and research related to ethnic minority mental health and to improve the quality of mental health and substance abuse services delivered to ethnic minority populations. We do this by providing financial support, professional development activities, and professional guidance to students pursuing doctoral degrees in psychology and neuroscience. Our mission is consistent with Healthy People 2010, the Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health, and other federal initiatives to reduce health disparities.
For more information or to apply for a fellowship, visit the web site at www.apa.org/mfp or contact:
APA/MFP
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
(202) 336-6127
Email: mfp@apa.org
Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM):
The goal of the Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics (UBM) activity is to enhance undergraduate education and training at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate the mathematical and biological sciences. The core of the activity is jointly-conducted long-term research experiences for interdisciplinary balanced teams of at least two undergraduates from departments in the biological and mathematical sciences. Projects should focus on research at the intersection of the mathematical and biological sciences.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08510/nsf08510.htm
American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellowships:
These fellowships provide funding to help graduate students and early career scholars develop research skills and conduct studies in education and related fields. We encourage you to share information about these programs with strong candidates and others who can suggest potential applicants. If you are an eligible candidate, we suggest that you consider submitting an application. Please visit the links below to view descriptions of available fellowships. Should you have any questions, please contact George L. Wimberly , Director of Social Justice and Professional Development at 202-238-3200 or via e-mail at fellowships@aera.net
AERA-AIR (A2) Fellows Program More information is available at http://www.aera.net/fellowships/?id=698. The application deadline for the A2 Fellows Program is December 17, 2007.
AERA-ETS Fellowship Program in Measurement More information is available at http://www.aera.net/fellowships/?id=702. The application deadline for the AERA-ETS Fellowship Program in Measurement is also December 17, 2007.
Minority Fellowship Program in Education Research Information about the Fellowship is available at http://www.aera.net/fellowships/?id=88. The application deadline for the Minority Fellowship Program is December 17, 2007.
AERA Grants Program Upcoming application deadlines are January 4, 2008, February 22, 2008 and August 29, 2008. More information is available at http://www.aera.net/grantsprogram/.
Summer Research Program at Janelia Farm:
The Janelia Farm Research Campus announced that it is seeking applications for its undergraduate research scholars program. Up to eight college students will be selected to participate in the program and will pursue research projects with Janelia Farm scientists during Summer 2008.
To read the complete announcement, go to http://www.hhmi.org/news/jfrc20071115.html
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Scholarship and Fellowship Program:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces program guidelines for the 2008 competition cycle of the DHS Scholarship and Fellowship Program.
Complete information is available online at http://www.orau.gov/dhsed/.
All applicants are expected to apply using the online application. The deadline for submitting an application is January 7, 2008, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Questions regarding the DHS Scholarship and Fellowship Program can be sent via e-mail to dhsed@orau.org.
You may also view or display the program poster available at http://www.orau.gov/dhsed/2008DHSposter.pdf.
Geoscience Student Spring Internship in Public Policy:
The American Geological Institute (AGI) seeks outstanding geoscience students with a strong interest in federal science policy for a semester-long internship in geoscience and public policy in Washington DC. Interns will gain a first-hand understanding of the legislative process and the operation of executive branch agencies. They will also hone their writing and Web publishing skills. AGI is planning to accept one intern for spring 2008 at a fixed stipend of $4,500 for fourteen weeks. The application deadline is December 21, 2007.
By geoscience students, we mean undergraduate and masters students in atmospheric, oceanic, earth, environmental or soil sciences or a related field of engineering (primarily geotechnical, mining or petroleum). Any student who is working toward a degree that reflects the broad spectrum of professionals who are members of AGI's 44 geoscience member societies is welcome to apply.
More information is available at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/interns/index.html
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