Student Research and Creative Activity at SUNY Oneonta

What is Undergraduate Research? “An inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original, intellectual, or creative contribution to the discipline...” (from the Council on Undergraduate Research) “ … experiences in which students produce, rather than consume, knowledge …” (from Inside Higher Ed blog: Matt Reed, Confessions of a Community College Dean)

What Are the Benefits? Enhances the student learning experience through mentoring relationships with faculty Develops critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, self-confidence, and intellectual independence Increases retention Provides effective career preparation and promotes interest in graduate education Contributes to the communities in which student researchers are engaged Promotes an innovation-oriented culture

Active chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society In the Beginning Active chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society Mid-70s ushered in the “pioneers” of formalizing a student research program ↑ Bruce Dayton ↑ Bill Harman Larry Guzy Esmat Nouri Wilber Settle → Established two programs in 1976, using its small treasury: Grant-in-Aid for Student Research ($50 grant) Student Award for Best Research Project ($50 prize)

Then Now AND 1970s $100/year initially funded by Sigma Xi treasury Support primarily for students whose mentors were Sigma Xi members 1980s Campus-wide grant program is established (~$1,600 total / max award $200) Student Research Show for funded projects only 1990s College at Oneonta Foundation first funds student grant program (~$5,000 total allocation) 2000s ~$60,000 available for 2017/18 grants (max award $1,500 + student & faculty fellowships) Program spans the disciplines Student Research & Creative Activity Show open to all students, grant-funded or not

Current Programs GRANT PROGRAM FOR RESEARCH & CREATIVE ACTIVITY 32 grants awarded in 2016/17 to 36 students representing 15 different majors Funded by the College Foundation AND the Alumni Association (totaling ~$60k/year) D’ANTONIO STUDENT TRAVEL FOR EXCELLENCE Assists u/g students with expenses related to participation in professional conferences and meetings (up to $750/application) $30,000 per year available since 2012 / 700+ awards made to date Additional $15,000 available through the institutional Student Travel for Excellence Program (STEP) for student academic and co-curricular travel

STUDENT RESEARCH & CREATIVE ACTIVITY (SRCA) DAY Current Programs STUDENT RESEARCH & CREATIVE ACTIVITY (SRCA) DAY Posters and other exhibits / 2017: 115 presentations, 166 student participants, 68 faculty mentors, 24 academic departments Annual keynote address delivered by a distinguished alumnus

Current Programs COLLEGE AT ONEONTA FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITY Student SRCA Day presenters are nominated by faculty sponsors; finalists present to a panel of judges, and cash prizes are awarded (totaled $3,300 for 2017 winners and honorable mention awardees) The five 2017 winners gave oral presentations at the April Faculty Convivium and were honored at the annual Academic Achievement Awards in May Student honorees with President Nancy Kleniewski

What Next? Align activities with the College’s Strategic Plan 2015 objectives to: increase opportunities for students to be mentored and strengthen and grow student and faculty research and creative activity Provide experiential opportunities, including research experiences, for more students at all levels, that meet SUNY’s ‘approved’ criteria Engage more students traditionally underrepresented in such endeavors Continue planning and implementation of the campus “Applied Learning (AL) Network” including co-location of AL administrative units Prioritize funding projects submitted to Faculty Research/Creative Activity Grant Program that engage students Create new faculty incentives/support for mentoring students Secure enhanced and sustained funding for faculty and student research and creative activity programs The activity: (1) is structured, intentional and authentic; (2) requires preparation, orientation and training; (3) must include monitoring and continuous improvement; (4) requires structured reflection and acknowledgment; (5) must be assessed and evaluated In addition to research, AL includes internships, service learning & community service, field study, study abroad, leadership programs, student teaching, practicums, etc. Students to take a more active, more intentional approach to their own learning; to integrate some of their academic, co-curricular and extracurricular experiences; to make connections between disparate modes of thought and experiences; and to develop their capacity to problem solve, think originally and creatively.

Questions? Contact a member of the Committee on Research or the Grants Development Office Thank you!!