Faculty Organization for Student Training and Engagement in Research (FOSTER)

Membership: At least one faculty representative from each academic college; Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovative Learning; Faculty at-large.  

Terms of Service: Members will serve one-year terms and may be reelected.

Description: Foster serves to advance student engagement in research, scholarship, creative activity, and experiential learning opportunities. The Foster committee shall:

• Promote student participation in research, scholarship, and creative activities across all academic disciplines.
• Identify opportunities to expand faculty-student research collaborations.
• Advise the Office of Undergraduate Research and Innovative Learning (URIL) and university leadership on matters related to student research engagement.
• Recommend policies, procedures, and practices that enhance student access to research opportunities.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among faculty engaged in mentoring student researchers.
• Assist in identifying, coordinating, and promoting research-related programming, workshops, presentations, and professional development opportunities.
• Advocate for resources that support student research and faculty mentorship.
• Support university initiatives related to undergraduate research, graduate research, creative activities, innovation, and experiential learning.
• Provide recommendations concerning assessment and strategic planning related to student research engagement.

Please Note, this committee may meet during the summer.

(Approver: Provost) 

2026-2027 Membership