Explanation of FSRP What is it Benefits Finding a Faculty Sponsor Transcript Recognition
	Summary of Steps
	FSRP Deadlines
	Student/Faculty Learning Contracts PDF format MSWord format
	Directory of Faculty Research Projects

EXPLANATION OF FSRP

WHAT IT IS:
The principal purpose of the Faculty/Student Research Program (FSRP) is to offer you the opportunity to be involved in faculty research activities. The FSRP offers you powerful learning experiences which transcend the traditional roles of faculty/student relationships.

The program is university-wide and covers all academic departments. Participation is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing. Although this program is offered on a non-credit basis, students will receive transcript recognition for their participation. The FSRP is currently being administered by the Office of Research Services and the Registrar's Office.
Top

BENEFITS:

	FSRP supports and encourages increased research activities at the university level.
	Collaborative efforts of the faculty and students create an environment in which students can conduct research, develop research skills, and apply knowledge gained in coursework.
	Meaningful dialogue between students and faculty is at the core of the learning process. This dialogue is enhanced by the opportunity for faculty and students to interact outside the classroom.
	Faculty benefit from the assistance of capable, motivated students.  Top

FINDING A FACULTY SPONSOR:
In the Directory of Faculty Research Projects, you will find a list of faculty sponsors. In order to identify a faculty sponsor that will be a good match for you, first think about your own skills, education and interests. Try to focus on classes you have taken which you found very interesting, or subject areas that you have always wanted to explore further.

Once you have identified your areas of interest, look through the list of faculty sponsors and pick out several professors who are working in areas which relate to your interests. Note that you are not restricted to working with faculty who are listed in the Faculty Directory. You may work with any faculty member who is interested in working with you. Visit faculty during their office hours or schedule an appointment to discuss your research interests.

Most faculty members are NOT looking for students with prior research experience. They ARE looking for students who genuinely want to participate in research and who will be energetic and reliable assistants.

Be prepared to talk about why you wish to participate in the FSRP and what you hope to gain from the experience. Be honest about your motivation in participating in this program. The faculty member, in turn, can let you know what their research has to offer you in the way of learning, and both of you can decide whether or not to work together.

Once you and a faculty member have agreed to work together, the next step is to complete the Learning Contract. This contract details the exact nature of the research you will undertake with your faculty sponsor and serves as a formal agreement between the two of you. After the contract is signed and turned in to the Registrar's Office, you are officially a part of the FSRP for that term. A new Learning Contract must be filled out and submitted for each term.

You are required to commit a minimum of one full semester/term to FSRP, but may continue your work beyond this. You should expect to devote 60-90 hours per term to the research activities; however, the exact scheduling of your time may vary depending on the particular research needs, your schedule and that of the faculty member.
Top

TRANSCRIPT RECOGNITION:
A unique "course" number (097) will be assigned to FSRP activities. It may be prefixed by any of the active departmental designations (e.g. ENGL, PSYC, HIST, PS, etc.). The appropriate prefix will be selected by the faculty member involved in the contract. The prefix and "097" number will be placed on the contract form which is transmitted to the Registrar's Office.

A transcript entry for a student might look like this, with the FSRP activity being the second entry:

Giving FSRP Transcript Recognition for essentially the same work being performed in credit courses (e.g. undergraduate research or honors courses) is not appropriate.
Top

SUMMARY OF STEPS

	Consider your skills, interests and education
	Review the Faculty Directory to identify professors you would like to work with
	Visit faculty
	Jointly complete and sign a Learning Contract
	Submit a copy of both sides of the completed Learning Contract to the Registrar's Office (St. Thomas 301) no later than the last day to add classes for the term (see FSRP deadlines, below). Faculty members should keep the original contract. An official roster for each subject area will be sent to the faculty member by the Registrar's Office.
	Work directly with faculty sponsor
	At the end of the term, the faculty sponsor and student should jointly complete the evaluation section of the Learning Contract. The faculty sponsor should keep this form. A copy may also be given to the student.
	The Registrar's Office will send the faculty sponsor a final grade roster on which a "satisfactory" (S) grade or "no credit" can be reported for the FSRP. This roster will be delivered to the Registrar's Office by the faculty member. Please Note: Students are NOT penalized for failure to complete the terms of a Learning Contract. Students will simply not receive transcript recognition for their participation in the program.
	The Registrar's Office will record the appropriate transcript recognition on your academic record. Top

FSRP DEADLINES
For the 2008-2009 academic year, the deadlines are as follows:

	FALL - September 12, 2008
	INTERSESSION - January 8, 2009
	SPRING - February 13, 2009 Top