For Faculty

Faculty-led and -supported research/creative discovery efforts create more effective outcomes and positively impact university culture. As departments develop research/creative discovery goals and objectives, they focus on the university’s strategic plan of providing transformative experiences for undergraduate students, increasing collaborative connections within and between institutions, diversifying revenue systems and raising positive visibility of the university.

The undergraduate research/creative discovery initiative is a major component of SFA’s strategic plan and includes attracting and supporting high-quality faculty and staff, fostering academic and co-curricular innovation, redefining university culture, increasing connections and realizing meaningful enrollment growth. Undergraduate research/creative discovery encourages innovations and active engagement, teaching students marketable and life skills that connect to their chosen professions. Research shows there is an increase in retention rate and GPA for students who participate in undergraduate research/creative discovery. University culture is positively strengthened when stakeholders value and practice discovery for enhanced academic knowledge.