Developing Student Councils to Support Undergraduate Research

The Office of Undergraduate Research was developed in 2007 at the University of Central Florida. To support the office and campuswide undergraduate research endeavors, two councils have been developed. The Student Undergraduate Research Council (SURC) meets bi-weekly throughout the year and has 10 members. Students apply to participate on the council and represent a wide variety of disciplines. SURC members serve as research ambassadors and support the initiatives of the Office of Undergraduate Research. SURC has greatly expanded the visibility and participation in undergraduate research activities at UCF. This presentation will review details about SURC and other student-lead initiatives, including ideas on how to develop and sustain similar programs at other universities