Helping Students Get Started
Every GVSU student can get involved in undergraduate research and scholarship. Whether they are a first-year student or a year from graduation, there are many opportunities available in any field or discipline. For many students, finding an opportunity or project is the hardest part. While many students find research opportunities immediately, finding a research project can be a long process and they may need to contact many people. Be patient and persevere with students who are just getting started. The best way to advise a student is to help them.
They should think about classes that they have enjoyed or ideas that interest them that do not fall within their major. Is there something that left them wanting to know more? What about it was enjoyable? Think about classes that they have enjoyed. Was there a project, paper, lab, idea, or experience that really left them wanting to learning more about it? Why did they enjoy it? What do they want to learn more about? Finding a topic, problem, idea, or activity that really excites them is a great place to begin.
The Undergraduate Research Fair acts as a forum for students to meet faculty from various disciplines and learn about different research and scholarship opportunities at GVSU. It is held annually on the first Tuesday in October.
What if a student asks "Why do research?"
Literature demonstrates that students who participate in undergraduate research benefit in the following ways:
- Better understanding of career and education path
- Greater problem solving skills
- Better understanding of research methods
- Deeper understanding of the discipline
- Greater confidence and independence
In addition, students who participate in research and scholarship:
- Are more satisfied with their college experience
- Are retained and persist at a higher rate, both at university and within their major
- Are more likely to be accepted to graduate and professional school and graduate
- Are more competitive on the job market
If I have a student who is interested in research, how do I make a referral to OURS?
We would love to work with your students. Please fill out our referral form and we will connect directly with them and set up an appointment.