Your Starting Point for Research at GVSU

Curious about research but not sure where to start? The Anchoring Research Badge is your first step into the world of creative and scholarly work at Grand Valley State University. This program is designed for students like you, whether you’re exploring ideas for the first time or already dreaming up your next big project.

By earning this badge, you’ll:

• Discover what research and creative work really looks like at GVSU.
• Learn how to get started, where to look for opportunities, who to talk to, and what steps to take.
• Prepare to generate your own ideas and see how research happens in different fields.

What You’ll Experience

You won’t just read about research, you’ll experience it. Through events, workshops, and fairs, you’ll:

• Meet faculty, staff, and students who are doing research you’re curious about.
• Attend discipline-specific sessions to see what research looks like in your major (or one you want to explore).
• Complete hands-on trainings that give you the skills to be an effective researcher from day one.

Why It Matters

The Anchoring Research Badge isn’t just about learning, it’s about connecting. You’ll grow your network, find mentors, and reflect on your own interests so you can take your next step toward integrating research into your GVSU journey.

To earn the Research Ready Badge, students must:

1. Complete RCR CITI Training and upload certificate of completion.
2. Attend TWO Research Seminars/Talks/Exhibits/Performances focused on independent research or scholarly activity.
   • Getting Involved In Undergraduate Research
   • OURS Group Advising
   • One on One with Faculty Fellows
3. Attend Student Scholars Day (in person or via Zoom) or another undergraduate research symposium/conference.
4. Attend the Undergraduate Research Fair at GVSU, or contact and meet with a faculty member within the student's academic interests to discuss research.
5. Complete TWO workshops on Anchoring Research offered through OURS or in the student's home department.
6. Wildcard: Another research-related event of the student's choosing. This could be a workshop, OURS event, research fair, research seminar, or one-on-one with OURS staff.
7. Write a short 1-page reflection should be submitted following each event attended.
8. Complete a final guided assessment will be provided by OURS for student completion before the badge is awarded.

Estimated length of time to complete badge *

• 20-30 hours total - the student will have an entire year from the start of the badge to complete all activities.

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