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Undergraduate research has grown popular in American universities over the last 20 years, both for the value of the experience to student learning as well as its potential impact on engagement, retention, and post-graduation success. While developing a robust program can be challenging, these significant benefits make it a desirable practice for both students and their faculty mentors. This two-part session will serve as a forum for undergraduates to share share original research on topics in studio arts, design, and art history, and provide an opportunity for faculty interested in supporting undergraduate research to learn more about pedagogical models, assessment strategies, and potential outcomes.

The session format will feature short lightning presentations by undergraduates on their research, followed by opportunities for students to respond to questions from the audience. We invite applications for presentations from faculty whose students have been or will be conducting ambitious research while undergraduates. Abstracts from their students themselves will be due later in the fall. We are looking for undergraduate research that represents a variety of sub-categories within the broad designation of art, including studio, design, and art history.

Following the student presentations, the faculty mentors will discuss best practices in undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity. These may include class-based research activities, as well as individual investigation of questions that serve as capstones to an undergraduate degree program. Their brief discussion will serve as an introduction to broader conversation among the audience, presenters, and mentors.