University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
AC-10: Support for Research

In 2012, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Service Learning was created to support, promote, and expand opportunities for students to participate in experiential learning through mentored research and curriculum-related community service. UTPA's Undergraduate Research Conference: Undergraduate Research Initiative: The Undergraduate Research Scholars Initiative (URI) at UTRGV is a program where undergraduate students share in the excitement of research discoveries, work side-by-side with faculty and graduate students who are creating new knowledge, and learn valuable research techniques. The initiative allows undergraduate students to obtain real-world research experience in a field of interest related to their majors. Academic Experience Fund: supplemental funding for undergraduates engaged in academic experiences that require students cover expenses beyond normal academic fees and costs. These awards are competitive and are, therefore, evaluated in terms of the expected impact on the student applicant's experience, the necessity of the funding for the experience to take place, and the connection of the experience to academic enhancement. Awards are limited to $500, but any expense must be explained and clearly budgeted. These are not cash awards, but are funds that can be applied to allowable travel, materials, or other detailed expenses with appropriate documentation. Workshops in Undergraduate Research: variety of workshops orienting students on how to get involved in research activities. Sessions include “Finding a Mentor”, “Prepping Proposals” and “Applying for the Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI)”, etc. For more info, see our workshop schedule.

The University’s Faculty Research Council (FRC) makes recommendations regarding faculty research policies and procedures and the allocation of organized research funds. Grants are given to faculty members and/or researchers at the discretion of the Council and proposals are encouraged from all disciplines, even those not normally associated with following research agendas, and all proposals are judged using the same criteria. The goal is that faculty members will use the FRC funding to generate preliminary data to develop competitive proposals for external funding.