Office of Student Research
Office of Student Research


The Office of Student Research is excited to announce the approval of Longwood University’s Foundations of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry microcredential.

The Foundations of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry microcredential recognizes students who have demonstrated readiness to begin undergraduate research and scholarly inquiry. It acknowledges students who have taken meaningful steps toward developing a focused research project and engaging in the scholarly process within their discipline. This microcredential is open to students in all disciplines.

Through this microcredential, students demonstrate the ability to:

  • Identify a faculty member who will guide their work and support their research development.
  • Articulate a research question, problem, or topic that is appropriately scoped, meaningful, and grounded in disciplinary or interdisciplinary contexts.
  • Design an appropriate methodology (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, creative, experimental, archival, or mixed methods) that aligns with their research question.

To earn the microcredential, students must submit:

  • The name of their faculty research mentor.
  • A well-developed research question or topic of inquiry.
  • A brief outline describing how they intend to investigate the question, including an appropriate methodological approach.

The Office of Student Research will review the submitted materials and contact the faculty mentor to verify that the required competencies have been achieved before awarding the badge.

Students can submit their documentation for review through the Office of Student Research application form here: https://forms.gle/hxaFjA189voru8g37.

Upon approval, students will receive the Foundations of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry digital badge.

 

Through completion of this microcredential, students develop valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, planning, and a systematic approach to inquiry. These competencies support success in research, graduate education, and a wide range of professional careers. The digital badge provides a tangible way for students to document and showcase their research readiness on résumés, CVs, LinkedIn profiles, graduate school applications, and professional portfolios. It also signals to faculty mentors, employers, and graduate programs that the student has intentionally prepared for independent, mentored research and is equipped to engage in scholarly and creative endeavors.
Visit this site to learn more about the Foundations of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry microcredential.

 

Please contact Dr. Amorette Barber (barberar@longwood.edu or x2726) if you have any questions.