CUR 2002 Workshop Report
 
Creating Successful Research Programs in the Social Sciences
(6/21, 2-2:45 p.m.)

Speakers: Joseph P. Joyce, Wellesley College
Jill Wallace, University of Northern Iowa


      This workshop presented examples of successful programs and practices in the social sciences, and included a discussion of how to promote student-faculty collaborations.
 
      Each summer at Wellesley College 15 students work with faculty from all the social science departments on research projects. The students present the results of their work at weekly seminars. These seminars provide an opportunity to show the students the similarities and differences among the social sciences. The students also attend workshops on the uses of technology, public speaking and visual design, and present the results of their work at a campus-wide poster session. The experience of working on a research project with a faculty member has a powerful impact on a student and her perception of what she can achieve that is different from what is done in the classroom environment.
 
      At the University of Northern Iowa students in the social sciences apply for research funds to complete their own independent research projects. While students are required to have a faculty advisor's approval, the project must be student generated. There are four proposal deadlines during each academic year. Students are given feedback on their proposal and requests for revisions are common. Successful applicants are required to present the results of their project at the annual social science undergraduate research conference. This competitive award program gives students a heightened sense of responsibility for their own research project in addition to increasing their awareness of the nature and processes involved in external grant funding.