Issues in Computer Dissemination of Undergraduate Research

Abstract

A pressing issue for many undergraduate instructors in the social sciences is the dissemination of their students’ work. Although students at many institutions in many disciplines perform original research in the process of learning research skills and being socialized into their professions, these research projects, unfortunately, are often performed and presented in isolation (from the rest of the college, as well as the rest of the world). The National Undergraduate Research Clearinghouse provides a means for student papers to gain national (international) exposure through an automated submission process. Although all sponsored manuscripts are accepted, the quality of submissions is controlled through a faculty sponsorship mechanism. In addition, a mechanism for review of submitted manuscripts and the nomination of manuscripts as outstanding is integrated into the clearinghouse.