Office of Undergraduate Research Director: Dr. John Cavitt (801) 626-8541 Office Manager Amy Douangdara Location: Library, Suite 58 Internet Address: weber.edu/OUR Weber State University offers undergraduates the opportunity to work directly with faculty on projects that involve research, scholarly and creative activities. These projects are designed and implemented by students with the support and guidance of WSU faculty. Undergraduate research, and scholarly and creative activities must include: • inquiry, study or investigation of a question or problem; • methodology, including safely and ethical practices, appropriate to the discipline; • relevant, meaningful, and engaging intellectual or creative con tribution and/or application to the discipline which is of high- quality and which results in a tangible product (abstract, paper, performance, object) which can be shared or disseminated; and • ongoing supervision and mentoring by individuals with appropri ate expertise. Undergraduate research has long been an important part of the college experience at Weber State University. The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) supports students by offering grants for research and travel for dissemination of results. In addition, OUR publishes Ergo, WSU's undergraduate research journal, and sponsors an undergraduate research symposium each spring semester. Community-Based Learning Program Director: Dr. Brenda Marsteller Kowalewski (801) 626-7737 Office Manager Carla Jones Location: Community Involvement Center, Shepherd Union, Suite 327 Internet Address: weber.edu/Communitylnvolvement I he Community-Based Learning (CBL) Program at Weber State University consists of a collection of courses designed to provide students learning opportunities through real life experiences and application of knowledge in the community. These courses provide a structured approach to learning and teaching that connects meaningful community experience with intellectual development, personal growth, and active citizenship. Community-based learning enriches coursework by encouraging students to apply the knowledge and analytic tools gained in the classroom to the pressing issues affecting local communities. Two particular forms of Community-Based Learning are practiced at Weber State University - service-learning and community-based research. Service-Learning, conceptualized in broad terms, "is a teaching and learning approach that integrates community service with academic study to enrich learning, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities" (National Commission on Service Learning, 2002). Through assignments and class discussions, students reflect on their service in order to increase their understanding of course content, gain a broader appreciation of a discipline, and enhance their sense of civic responsibility Weber State University utilizes the following definition from the National Service-Learning Clearinghouse to define service-learning more specifically: "Service-learning combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity change both the recipient and the provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content" (NSLC, 1994). Community-based research involves students working with faculty members and community leaders to develop research projects, collect and analyze data, and share their results and conclusions with the organizations and agencies that need the information. Weber State University utilizes the following definition of community based research: "Community-based research is a partnership of students, faculty and community members who collaboratively engage in research with the purpose of solving a pressing community problem or effecting social change" (Strand, et al, 2003). Courses Community-based learning is not specific to any one discipline; in fact, CBL courses exist in many disciplines across campus. For example, an Athletic Training class incorporates a service component wherein students are utilizing their knowledge and skills gleaned from class to serve patrons at a local free medical clinic. Community-Based Learning courses are designated with a CBL prefix and are listed in the course schedule published online each semester. Additionally, a full list of CBL designated courses can be found on the Community Involvement Center website at weber. edu/Communitylnvolvement. Honors Program Director: Dr. Judy Elsley (801) 626-6186 Student Advisor: Marilyn Diamond (801) 626-7336 Office Manager: Leanna Riddle (801) 626-7591 Location: Library, Room 225 Internet Address: weber.edu/honors Mission Statement The Weber State University Honors Program aims to provide students with an enriched program of study through: • small, challenging, and creative classes, many of which fulfill General Education requirements; • a stimulating and supportive learning environment, both in classes and in the Honors Center; • opportunities to examine one's own perspective in the light of differing values or points of view; • an integrative approach to education, connecting disciplines and ideas; • the availability of departmental Honors with most departments on campus. Students who earn Honors will be well prepared for professional life and/or graduate school after Weber. Entrance Requirements A student may make application for entrance into the Honors Program at any time after formal acceptance by the Weber State Admissions Office. However, in order to take advantage of the many options available, early entrance is recommended. An application form is available in the Honors Center or on the Internet at weber.edu/honors. For entrance requirements please see the Honors Handbook located on the Honors Web site. Retention Standards for the Honors Program To continue in good standing in the Honors Program, students must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and take an Honors class at least every semester until their general education requirements are completed; thereafter students will take at least one course every other semester. In order to be awarded an Honors designation, students must earn a 3.3 GPA in General Honors and an overall GPA of Weber State University 2010-2011 Catalog