FAQs

Expand All

What is "UGR"?

UGR is an acronym that stands for Undergraduate Research. The Office of Undergraduate Research is a unit within the Division of Academic Affairs under the Office of the Provost at Texas A&M University.

How do I contact UGR staff?

Our team's shared inbox is the best way to get into contact with UGR staff. Please email us any time at ugr@tamu.edu!

Where is the Office of Undergraduate Research located?

Campus: College Station

Building: Henderson Hall (HEND)

Mail Stop: 4233 TAMU

Does UGR offer funding for research?

Most funding for undergraduate researchers is available through departments and colleges, or through individual faculty and structured programs. We encourage students to reach out to departments directly, but you can always email ugr@tamu.edu to see if our office is aware of any specific opportunities that may meet your needs!

Expand All

What does “undergraduate research” mean?

There is substantial room for flexibility with research. At Texas A&M University, research opportunities are open to all undergraduates, and you do not have to be an honors student. Research is often a collaborative effort between undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty using an inquiry-based approach to generate new knowledge. As such, undergraduate research qualifies as a “high-impact practice,” providing students an opportunity to integrate, apply, and reflect on their knowledge. Research allows students to take learning beyond the classroom.

What are the benefits of undergraduate research?

Students who participate in undergraduate research gain many skills that they might not otherwise acquire from classroom instruction:

• Writing, data collection, and analysis
• Teamwork, problem solving, time management, and effective communication

Undergraduate researchers gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field not only by actively participating in it, but through mentoring relationships with faculty and graduate students.

Undergraduate research helps students clarify career goals by identifying passions and a better perspective on what it means to be a professional the field.

As a result, student researchers are more likely to be satisfied with their undergraduate education and continue on to graduate or professional school.  Research experience strengthens applications for graduate and professional schools, business, or industrial positions by expanding technical skills and professional knowledge, improving resumes/CVs, and providing opportunities for strong letters of recommendation.

Finally, it can be a lot of fun. You generate new knowledge, meet interesting people, and undergraduate researchers generate new knowledge, meet interesting people, and they might even get paid for doing it.

Do I have to do research in my department?

Undergraduate research exists in every college and department at Texas A&M, even in those that have no undergraduate majors. However, students are not always required to conduct research in their major department. Check with departmental advisors to verify degree requirements for undergraduate research. Students are encouraged to follow their passion and contact several faculty in their area of interest to explore opportunities.

What training do I need to do undergraduate research?

There are many reasons why an undergraduate researcher might need training. You should have a conversation with your faculty advisor very early on in the design of your project to determine whether or not your project may require approval from the office of Research Compliance & Biosafety (RCB). Additional trainings may be required depending on the nature of your project.

All undergraduate students who are participating in internally funded research, gift-funded research, or externally funded sponsored research must complete the CITI RCR training within 60 days from their initial involvement in the research activity, unless required earlier. Visit the VPR's website for more guidance.

How do I earn honors credit for undergraduate research?

It may be possible to earn honors credit for undergraduate research. Speak to your college, departmental, or University Honors advisors for details.

Is undergraduate research the same thing as a capstone?

A capstone is defined as a year-long integrative experience that allows students to combine their career goals, majors, and interests in faculty-mentored independent projects that focus on leadership, research, community service, or teaching. Students in honors programs can use the Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) thesis program to fulfill their capstone requirement, or apply for a departmental capstone. Students should consult with their departmental and honors advisors to determine additional requirements and/or eligibility for capstone experiences.

Is Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) Thesis the same thing as an Honors Thesis?

There is no “honors thesis,” however, students participating in an honors program can use their Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) thesis as their capstone experience. The URS thesis is open to any undergraduate student regardless of whether s/he participates in the University Honors Program, or departmental or college honors programs.

How do I register for a research course (291 or 491)?

Students need to speak to their faculty advisors as well as departmental advisors to open a research section or a 291/491 course. 491 courses can be 0 credit or variable credit, and may carry either a letter grade or S/U designation. Students should consult Scholarships & Financial Aid to determine if registration in a research course affects financial aid packages or any scholarships.

I am an undergraduate conducting research abroad. Are there any additional forms I need to complete?

Yes. Any student pursuing foreign travel that meets one or more of the following must register with register with the Study Abroad Programs Office:

• Credit bearing
• Funding from a TAMU entity (e.g. departmental support for a conference or research)
• Satisfies a degree or graduation requirement (e.g. thesis research or internship abroad)

For more information, contact the Study Abroad Programs Office at studyabroad@tamu.edu or (979) 845-0544.

What is the office of Research Compliance & Biosafety?

The office of Research Compliance and Biosafety (RCB) is responsible for providing training and support to faculty, students, and staff in regulatory requirements for research. RCB provides administrative and operational support for Texas A&M’s research compliance review committees as well as other research compliance programs designated at the university.

Projects may require approval through Research Compliance and Biosafety committees if they involve:

1. Human Subjects: Institutional Review Board (IRB)
2. Vertebrate Animals: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
3. Biohazards: Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

Note: Please be aware that if you are using social media and/or online content, you may be subject to review by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Expand All

I am a faculty member. How do I promote my undergraduate research experiences?

• Faculty are encouraged to submit undergraduate research opportunities to the Research Opportunities Database hosted by UGR.
• Faculty and staff who host summer undergraduate research experiences should contact the UGR office at ugr@tamu.edu to receive updates on the REU and SURE Coordination Meeting in February and listserv.
• Faculty and staff should plan to participate in the UGR Undergraduate Research Expo in the fall. Request a table, participate in a panel or workshop, and join us for networking.
• Encourage students to submit to Explorations: the Texas A&M Undergraduate Journal or apply to join the editorial board or design team.

What is the office of Research Compliance & Biosafety?

The office of Research Compliance and Biosafety (RCB) is responsible for providing training and support to faculty, students, and staff in regulatory requirements for research. RCB provides administrative and operational support for Texas A&M’s research compliance review committees as well as other research compliance programs designated at the university.

Projects may require approval through Research Compliance and Biosafety committees if they involve:

1. Human Subjects: Institutional Review Board (IRB)
2. Vertebrate Animals: Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
3. Biohazards: Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

Note: Please be aware that if you are using social media and/or online content, you may be subject to review by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

What resources do the Texas A&M University Libraries offer?

• Digital Collections at Texas A&M
• Library Resources for Researchers
• Cushing Memorial Libraries & Archives
• Office of Scholarly Communications
• Schedule a Research Consultation