Undergraduate Research
- Every undergraduate research experience and final culminating project is overseen by a Vanderbilt University faculty member. Undergraduate research can take place in any discipline and can take place on campus, in the field, abroad, or at another institution.
- Students who choose undergraduate research for their immersive experience can tie it together by presenting at one of the Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Research Fairs, by writing a paper (Honor’s thesis, peer-reviewed article, etc.), or in any other way the student and faculty person can imagine.
- There is no requirement that the final culminating project be publicly presented, in most instances. When presented, the principle investigator approves what the student publicizes about the research.
Community and Civic Engagement
- Different from service learning or volunteer work, community and civic engagement require ongoing and intentional interactions between the student and the people or entity that are central to their immersive experience.
- Community engagement is direct or indirect work with an entity or group that provides a service or product to a group or community.
- Civic engagement is when students benefit a community or region through direct or indirect work. Examples include voter registration, advocacy and education, and political involvement.
Innovation, Design, and Creativity
- Students engage in experiences where they apply their skills, knowledge, artistry, and imagination to create, improve, develop, or enhance something new or existing. Partner offices across campus can support students through the ideation and development of a variety of experiences and final projects.