Undergraduate Research (UR) can be defined as an investigation into a specific topic within a discipline by an undergraduate student that makes an original contribution to the field. It has become a major consideration among research universities around the world, in order to advance both academic teaching and research productivity. Edited by an…

The newest publication in a series of reports on the AAC&U Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education (VALUE) Initiative--?We Have a Rubric for That: The VALUE Approach to Assessment--compiles ten years of evidence to provide an argument-based framework for the assessment of student learning in higher education using the VALUE…

A systems thinking approach to incorporating green chemistry and safety into laboratory culture is vital, as chemists will be at the molecular level of the innovative solutions to our global challenges. Training chemists to have the skills and culture to accomplish this feat in the safest way possible is pivotal to safe working conditions within…

The recent trend of trying to measure higher education's return on investment misses a fundamental point, argue Charity Johansson and Peter Felten. The central purpose of a college or university is to transform the lives of students--not to merely change them or help them mature. This transformation is an ongoing process of intentionally aligning…

This manual was designed to reflect current and recommended practices for the utilization of undergraduate paraprofessionals in career services. A brief summary of the literature related to the use of paraprofessionals in career centers in addition to a rationale in support of expanded roles for student staff is provided in Section 1. The…

This highly illustrated monograph includes 22 projects developed by students in a basic photography course that can be inexpensively reproduced by students or by anyone interested in photography. Instructions are provided for making 14 photographic accessories, including a film washer, drying cabinet, camera copy stand, and bounce flash diffuser.…

This study skills book is intended for British students in foreign language degree courses. It is intended as a manual and resource book for undergraduates. In addition to providing guidance on basic study methods and study skills, information is provided on audio-visual and computer resources that are now widely available in higher education…

Minors and certificate programs focused on service-learning, leadership, and/or community service are becoming increasingly available for undergraduate students throughout the U.S. Minors and certificate programs tend to focus in one of three areas: (1) A minor or certificate earned by engaging in community service and service-learning activities;…

Discusses the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a large-scale undergraduate psychology conference as conducted through a special two-term course. Course requirements and structure are discussed as are specific details pertaining to the conference itself. The author's experiences are related to the literature on undergraduate psychology…

This publication is the result of a project to develop microbiology instructional materials for vocational college students. These materials are a series of self-paced modules. Each module includes a pre-test, an introduction and historical packet, an organizational packet to set the framework for in-depth study, one or more in-depth packets, a…

Proposes 10 questions that can serve as guidelines to evaluate undergraduate music program for students who wish to pursue music major or minor and 5 additional questions that can serve as specific guidelines in considering music education programs. Includes evaluation checklist and Music Teacher Certification Program Checklist. (NB)

This report is intended to give an indication of the variety of careers available to persons with interest and preparation in the mathematical sciences. Each part focuses on a particular class of professions, with necessary training as well as the character of the work and general conditions of employment described. Parts I through V deal with…

To introduce undergraduate students to the library and to familiarize them with the various indexing systems and reference materials, the University of Michigan has produced this workbook designed specifically for their library. The information and exercises included cover physical layout, the card catalog, the Library of Congress Classification…

Presents an annotated list of 20 basic concepts from ecology that might be considered for inclusion in courses of study designed to improve environmental literacy among undergraduates. Supplies references for each concept. (64 references) (JJK)

Discusses several options for the incorporation of minimal coursework involving engineering ethics into an already tightly packed curriculum. Topics include integration versus the stand-alone approach; timeliness of course addition; outline of course content and instructional format; students' reflections and instructor's musings; and an annotated…