The document outlines a 3-phase action plan to introduce and establish an undergraduate research program at Springfield Technical Community College. Phase I focuses on introducing the concept to faculty and gaining support. Phase II develops the program design and infrastructure. Phase III implements the program by recruiting students and faculty, pursuing funding, and establishing assessment tools. The goals are to enhance the student experience, improve performance and transfer opportunities, and foster collaboration with academic and industry partners.

1. The 15th International Conference
for Women Engineers and
Scientists (ICWES15)
Adelaide, Australia
15—22 July 2011
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2. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
PROGRAM AT A COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
Margaret E. McCarthy1*, Beth C. McGinnis-
Cavanaugh1*, Barbara S. Wurtzel1*
1 Springfield Technical Community
College, One Armory Square, Springfield MA
01105
2

3. Abstract
• National Research Council [USA] has charged Community Colleges
to consider instituting a foundation program to introduce students
to science research.
• Initial focus will be a community of faculty "Research in
Community" [RICE] to promote test-bed implementation and
assessment as well as foster faculty buy-in across the campus.
• The plan will be coordinated with the existing Honors Program and
current independent faculty / student research projects.
• The major goals:
– enhance overall student experience
– improving student performance and preparation
– supporting student transfer opportunities
– outreach to academic and community partners.
• This format is modeled on “Teaching in Community” specifically to
provide better access for women in science to all aspects of the
undergraduate experience.
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4. http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/states/mas
sachusetts/maps/massachusetts-map.jpg
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5. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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6. Western Massachusetts
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7. Springfield Technical Community
College 1967
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8. Number of programs:
STCC
86
Areas of study:
Arts,
Humanities & Social Sciences,
Business & Information Technologies, Engineering
Technologies,
Health and Human Services,
Liberal Arts Transfer / General Studies,
Mathematics,
Science & Engineering Transfer
Number of faculty and staff: 425 Class size: 25 students
Number of alumni: > 29,000
Student enrollment:
Average age = 24
Females = 59%
Males = 41%,
Full-time = 43%
Technical Community College is a major resource for the economic vitality of
Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a
variety of career programs unequalled in the state. Biotechnology, IT Security, Laser Electro- 8
Optics, Nursing, Robotics, Sonography, Telecommunications and dozens of other career programs produce potential

9. Student Enrollment Top Five:
Pre-Health Sciences,
Liberal Arts/General Studies/Liberal
Arts Transfer,
Law Enforcement,
Bilingual Core,
Nursing.
827 students in Engineering Technology
programs
60 in the Engineering Transfer program.
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10. 10

11. Degrees & Programs
Associate Degree Programs
Fine Arts Option
Liberal Arts Transfer
Teacher Education Transfer Option
Commonwealth Transfer Compact Option
University Without Walls Option
Certificate Program
Health Aide Option
Degree Preparation Programs
Pre-Engineering Science Transfer Option
Pre-Health Option
Bilingual Program Option
Non-Matriculating Option
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12. Studies Options
LTGS.AA -Transfer Option: for the student electing one of the degree or transfer
programs
Commonwealth Transfer Compact Option
University Without Walls Option
HTHC.GS -Pre-Health Option: for the student contemplating application to a program in
the fields of Health Sciences or Nursing
ENGC.GS - Pre-Engineering/Science Transfer Option: for the student planning to major
in the Science Transfer Option or to prepare for the Engineering Transfer program of the
College
BLNG.GS - Bilingual Program: for students who need to develop English language
skills, an intensive and accelerated curriculum in English As a Second Language, as well
as transitional courses in mathematics and biology, with related counseling and support
services
UNDC.NM - Non-Matriculating Option: for students not currently seeking acceptance
into a STCC program
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13. http://health.stcc.edu/
School of Nursing
Nursing
School of Health & Patient Simulation
Clinical Lab Physical Therapy Assistant
Cosmetology Respiratory Care
Dental Assistant Nuclear Medicine
Dental Hygiene Patient Care Technician
Paramedic Program Sonography
Interdisciplinary Health Studies Radiography
Medical Assistant Surgical Technology
Massage Therapy General Studies Health Core
Occupational Therapy Assisting
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14. Action Plan Phase I: 2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Phase I begins the formalization of the program with informational
sessions for faculty and initial reporting to administration.
Goal: To introduce and infuse a culture of undergraduate research at
STCC
Objectives
Determine characteristics of successful undergraduate research
program at STCC
Determine how undergraduate research is compatible with a
teaching institution and consistent with the teaching mission of the
College
Promote “buy-in” of faculty
Identify methods to elevate participating faculty and students in
the culture of the institution
Assess existing and required resources and support
Strategies
Outcomes
14

15. Action Plan Phase I: 2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Phase I begins the formalization of the program with informational
sessions for faculty and initial reporting to administration.
Goal: To introduce and infuse a culture of undergraduate research at
STCC
Objectives
Strategies
Formulation of RICE group
RICE meetings with STCC faculty
Compilation of faculty feedback from RICE sessions
Report to College President and Dean of Academic Affairs
Research funding sources and begin funding process
Outcomes
15

16. Action Plan Phase I: 2010 – 2011 Academic Year
Phase I begins the formalization of the program with informational
sessions for faculty and initial reporting to administration.
Goal: To introduce and infuse a culture of undergraduate research at
STCC
Objectives
Strategies
Outcomes
Preliminary working definition of undergraduate research at STCC
Preliminary formal articulation of program’s philosophy
Preliminary draft of overall program characteristics and structure
RICE approved by College President and Academic Dean
Formalization of first full RICE faculty cohort
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17. Phase II: 2011 – 2012 Academic Year
Phase II represents the specific formalization of the program. The program
will eventually fit within the Shared Governance structure as a standing
committee, which also serves as a free standing authority for future funding
requests.
Goal: To design a sustainable undergraduate research program
Objectives
Compile and analyze faculty feedback from RICE meetings
Evaluate existing library services and identify gaps
Inventory existing Honors projects and independent faculty research
projects
Identify “test-bed” faculty and courses for pilot projects and faculty
mentors
Set thresholds, pre-requisites, and criteria for participation
Identify realistic, sustainable incentives for faculty
Develop effective support structure for program
Determine satisfactory faculty incentives and adequate support
Strategies
Outcomes
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18. Phase II: 2011 – 2012 Academic Year
Phase II represents the specific formalization of the program. The program
will eventually fit within the Shared Governance structure as a standing
committee, which also serves as a free standing authority for future funding
requests.
Goal: To design a sustainable undergraduate research program
Objectives
Strategies
Exploration of existing and planned learning communities to further
program
Present definition of undergraduate research to Shared Governance
Outreach to Grants/Development and other sources for funding;
initialization of contacts in academic/business/civic communities
Review, compilation, and presentation to College President and Dean of
Academic Affairs
Outcomes
18

19. Phase II: 2011 – 2012 Academic Year
Phase II represents the specific formalization of the program. The program
will eventually fit within the Shared Governance structure as a standing
committee, which also serves as a free standing authority for future funding
requests.
Goal: To design a sustainable undergraduate research program
Objectives
Strategies
Outcomes
Formal definition of undergraduate research as approved by Shared
Governance
Clarification of connection between undergraduate research and
Honors Program
RICE becomes standing committee under Shared Governance
Fully-designed undergraduate research program at STCC approved by
College President and Dean of Academic Affairs
Approval by Academic Curriculum Committee
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20. Action Plan Phase III: 2012 – 2013 Academic Year
The STCC definition for undergraduate research will be finalized and a
working program design will be fully implemented.
Goal: To implement fully-designed undergraduate research program
Objectives
Recruit and enroll qualified students
Pursue funding sources and outside resources
Comply with union contractual obligations and limitations
Strategies
Outcomes
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21. Action Plan Phase III: 2012 – 2013 Academic Year
The STCC definition for undergraduate research will be finalized and a
working program design will be fully implemented.
Goal: To implement fully-designed undergraduate research program
Objectives
Strategies
Establish faculty mentors
Develop assessment and evaluation instruments to align with
academic/industry standards (examples: ABET, Essential of
Medical Technologies, Nursing)
Conduct outreach to other community colleges via reciprocal
site visits
Conduct outreach to other campus and national organizations
Conduct outreach to local/state/national civic and business
communities
Outcomes
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22. Action Plan Phase III: 2012 – 2013 Academic Year
The STCC definition for undergraduate research will be finalized and a
working program design will be fully implemented.
Goal: To implement fully-designed undergraduate research program
Objectives
Strategies
Outcomes
Sufficient numbers of qualified and interested students and
faculty; satisfactory projected enrollment
Formal assessment and evaluation underway
Collaboration with other academic, business, and community
organizations with appropriate facilities, research programs, and
opportunities for students
Recognition by STCC Board of Trustees
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23. Assessment
Students Faculty Institution
# participants # participants Increased collaboration with
local and peer institutions
Diversity of participants Diversity of programs offered Increased visibility in
community
Retention Retention Increased appeal to potential
students
Increased scores on faculty- Increased grant activity Increased grant funding
designed content/skill rubrics
Number and quality of Increased collaboration with Enhanced collegiality among
presentations and publications faculty faculty and administration
Scholarship and transfer New faculty researchers and
success increased research publication
Better preparedness for four- Faculty feedback
year institutions
Job and internship placement
Increased interest in STEM
Student feedback
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24. Conclusion
Directed by a clearly outlined three-year, three-phase process, the
major goals of the initiative will be directed by the STCC definition of
undergraduate research.
Characteristics of the successful program will be identified and tailored
by input across the campus and the curriculum for the academic year
2012-2013.
The major goals:
enhance the overall student experience
improve student engagement, performance, and preparation
support student transfer opportunities; recruit
retain traditionally underrepresented groups in areas of study
foster outreach to academic, community, and industry partners.
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25. References (Alphabetical)
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participation in undergraduate research: fostering excellence and
enhancing the impact. Council for Undergraduate
Research, Washington, D. C.
Bransford, J 2000, How people learn: brain, mind experience and school.
National Academy Press, Washington, D. C.
Council on Undergraduate Research & National Council for Institutional
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<http://www.cur.org/cclicommcoll.html >.
Council on Undergraduate Research. Learning for research: frequently
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http://www.cur.org/faq.html >
Dolan, E 2010, ‘The last five years.’ CBE: Life Sciences
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Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts. 2010.
Knowledge corridor. Viewed 25 January 2011.
<http://www.westernmassedc.com/Data__Demographics/knowledgecor
ridor/ >
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26. References (continued)
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27. References (continued)
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Taraban, R & Blanton, RL 2007, Creating effective undergraduate research programs in science:
the transformation from student to scientist. Teachers College Press, New York.
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28. Contact Information
www.stcc.edu
Speaker: Margaret E McCarthy: mmccarthy@stcc.edu
Chairman Physics Department
Beth C. McGinnis-Cavanaugh:
bmcginnis-cavanaugh@stcc.edu
Civil Engineer
Barbara S. Wurtzel: bwurtzel@stcc.edu
Reference Librarian
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