Mission Statement

Introduction
Undergraduate research (UR) is receiving unprecedented attention from academic institutions and research funding agencies. The benefits of undergraduate research are numerous, among which are: (1) teaching students the process of developing creative ideas, formulating and executing steps toward answers, and presenting the outcome, (2) developing and producing new knowledge, (3) motivating talented students and recruiting them to graduate school, (4) improving student retention, and (5) recruiting talented high school students.

The Office of Vice President for Research established a new office in September 2003 to create the infrastructure for fostering and promoting UR at the University of Nevada , Reno . The short-term vision of the office was to gather information about current UR at the University. The long-term vision of the office is to expand and promote UR through multiple initiatives. One of the activities planned to help UR successful at the University is the formation of a network of core faculty who are committed to UR and who are willing to contribute to formulating and achieving the goals of UR . No limit on the size of the core is envisioned. Subgroups and different focus groups may be formed within NFUR to ensure effective use of members' resources and timely outcome. Most of the interaction among the NFUR members will take place over the internet.  

Mission
The tentative mission of the network of faculty for UR (NFUR) is to develop ideas and implementation plans and foster activities that will make UR at the University a prominent endeavor with ample participation by talented students and enthusiastic faculty. The newly established Office of Programs for Undergraduate Research will coordinate and facilitate the activities of NFUR.

Activities
Among possible activities of NFUR are: provide ideas for outreach and enhance the visibility; identify potential fields in which UR may be expanded; provide information on emerging funding opportunities for UR; form multidisciplinary teams of faculty to develop proposals to tap into new UR opportunities; identify organizational UR barriers at the University and means to overcome these barriers.