While many undergraduate students believe that research is an opportunity reserved for graduate students or professors, the combined efforts of President Karen A. Holbrook and Undergraduate Student Government President Mike Goodman have ensured that Ohio State’s commitment to research will be offered to undergraduates in increasing numbers.
USG is offering 50 academic enrichment grants of $500 for the 2004-2005 school year to undergraduates interested in enhancing their education through research. The grant can be applied to research, creative work and professional development.
Goodman, who spoke of the importance of both the undergraduate experience and research during his State of the University Address on Feb. 4, said research should be more readily available to undergraduate students to complement their academic programs.
“The research component of education puts into practical use the concepts that students use in the classroom,” Goodman said.
Martha Garland, vice president of undergraduate studies, said the pilot project was developed through the further implementation of Holbrook’s Leadership Agenda, which focuses on strengthening the undergraduate experience.
“Research grants are part of the overall picture,” Garland said. “Research is an additional element that fills the gap in supplementing education.”
Students interested in receiving a grant must complete a comprehensive application, which requires a written project proposal, a budget for their project and also a letter of recommendation from the project advisor.
The applications will be reviewed by a committee in April and the recipients will be announced in May. The deadline for applications is March 12. The grants will be awarded beginning summer quarter.
“The mature, sophisticated approach of the application process makes (students) think in a professional way,” Garland said.
Becky Tippett, a policy director for USG, which has been involved with developing the grant since its conception, wishes to emphasize that the grant is available to all undergraduate students, regardless of rank or major.
“The grant is open to anyone who is interested in doing academic enrichment outside the classroom,” said Tippett. “We’re hoping that students take advantage of this great opportunity. It’s an incentive for getting involved outside the classroom.”
Travel expenses, professional conferences fees, publicity support, equipment, journal subscriptions, society memberships, lab fees, material project support and compensation for research subjects are among a few examples of fundable expenses that have been listed by the committee.
Goodman, Garland and Tippett all believe the success of this project could be the tip of the iceberg in terms of making research available to undergraduate students.
“I hope that students will take advantage of these resources and take on the responsibility of improving their undergraduate experience,” Goodman said.
The review committee for the applications is still searching for people interested in helping them. They are looking for representatives from the departments of English, math, political science and art.
Students interested in either applying for the grant or becoming involved in the review committee can find the application and more information online at www.usgonline.net.
