Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research

The Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research (COEUR) summarizes best practices that support and sustain highly effective undergraduate research environments. In the twelve years since the original COEUR was published, it has been an extraordinary road map that has helped many establish undergraduate research offices, design new programs, communicate aspirations to and request commitment from leadership, and recognize the support needed to ensure that undergraduate students engage in one of the most impactful educational practices at their colleges and universities. Higher education continues to be shaped by a rapidly changing world, so it was time to refresh these characteristics of excellence. 

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) hopes that this updated version, COEUR 2.0, not only captures the current framework for building successful and accessible undergraduate research programs but also provides a sustainable foundation that will yield increasing engagement from diverse students, faculty, staff, and administrators that extends beyond this critical high-impact practice. While not all institutions and programs can aspire to fulfill all the characteristics, we invite you to examine them and read the personal stories of individuals, institutions, and students as a testament to what is possible when we aim for excellence. CUR. “Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research 2.0: The 11 Characteristics.”

Campus Mission & Culture

Administrative Support

Research Infrastructure

Professional Development

Recognition

External Funding

Dissemination

Student-Centered Issues

Curriculum

Summer Research

Assessment Activities

Council on Undergraduate Research. “Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research 2.0: The 11 Characteristics.”