The University of West Georgia aspires for every student to have the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research or creative projects. The UR course designation allows students to identify courses in the schedule of classes in Banweb that include an undergraduate research/creative project component and brings increased visibility to this High Impact Practice (HIP) and its support of academic life at UWG. [Learn more about the history of HIPs at UWG here: Undergraduate Research Criteria (pdf)]. There are four levels of course designation based on the extent and type of research or creative activities included in each course (Click here for the matrix).
Once every fall and spring semester, faculty are invited to submit courses for approval for a UR HIP attribute in Banner. Faculty members complete a brief Smartsheet form and upload a syllabus, which should include at least one course-level learning outcome concerning undergraduate research or creative activity. The form asks whether you are submitting the course for all future sections or for selected sections in a particular semester. Faculty can also submit a Smartsheet form to remove a UR HIPs designation if the attribute no longer applies.
There is typically one call in the fall, with a deadline around mid-October, and one call in spring, with a deadline around mid-February.
What is the review process for applications?
The Undergraduate Research Committee reviews all applications for UR designations and makes a recommendation based on the materials and Undergraduate Research Designation Decision Matrix (see above). These recommendations are then communicated via email to the faculty who submitted the materials and all relevant campus leaders affiliated with the course for a brief period in which they can respond to the recommendation. The recommendations then go to the Undergraduate Programs Committee for approval. Upon approval, the Co-Directors of the Office of Undergraduate Research will provide the designations to the UWG Registrar for entry into Banner.
I submitted an application for a course that includes all sections getting the UR HIP attribute. Do I need to reapply?
No! Once you have submitted an application for a designation for a course at all sections you do not need to reapply.
I submitted an application for an individual section of a course. Do I need to reapply?
Courses that were previously approved for selected sections do not need to be resubmitted but do need to be confirmed by the application deadline.
How do I confirm an individual course?
Contact OUR Co-Directors Lisa Connell (lconnell@westga.ed) and Nate Lawres (nlawres@westga.edu) with the course name, number, and CRN a semester before the course will be taught.
How can I find which courses have an UR attribute?
Here! HIPs Designated Courses at the course and individual section level. This document will be updated every semester once the approval process is complete.
