In the second summer of the CEL seminar on Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research (UR), participants worked to identify the key characteristics of mentoring relationships in the context of student, faculty and institutional development.  We identified factors that contribute to…

The importance of undergraduate research has been embraced by virtually every disciplinary corner of the academy; however, misconceptions still exist regarding undergraduate research in the more “applied” practices of professional schools, one of the fastest growing areas for undergraduate research…

by Jessie L. Moore A growing number of publications offer tips for faculty, undergraduate research programs, and institutions about how to support undergraduate research (UR). The Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR) Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research, for example, identifies core features…

by Amanda Sturgill When I was fortunate enough to be an exchange professor in Thailand, I had to learn about some customs, traditions and laws that  were new to me. Things like not showing the bottom of your feet to…

by Peter Felten, Jon Dooley, and Jessie L. Moore In July 2015, Elon’s Center for Engaged Learning hosted a three-day think tank on residential learning communities that brought together a dozen scholars and practitioners (participants are listed below). Learning communities…

by Jessie L. Moore Faculty mentors play a significant role in making undergraduate research (UR) a high-impact educational practice. Kuh and O’Donnell (2013) contend that the deepest engagement in UR occurs when students participate in all aspects of the research process…

by Jessie L. Moore As a high-impact educational practice, undergraduate research (UR) can have significant impacts on student learning. UR can lead to better student retention and engagement (Kuh, 2008) and foster deep student learning of critical thinking, effective communication,…

by Amanda Sturgill Any time you are studying student learning is a good time to make sure that your intended study is ethical and beneficial. Studying student learning in a global context means the people your students are learning with,…

by Amanda Sturgill I just got back from working at an international event in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event has participants from 63 countries, the majority of whom travel a great distance to attend, and many of whom are college students….

What are the significant questions and challenges in mentoring undergraduate research? We asked participants in the Center’s research seminar on Excellence in Mentoring Undergraduate Research to share the pressing questions they’re identifying. Those questions include: What are the salient characteristics and boundaries…