Undergraduate Research at a Teaching-Oriented College: Seniors’ Perspectives and Approaches to Consider

This study examines the relationship of undergraduate research (UGR) participation on senior students’ reported engagement, perceived gains, satisfaction with their educational experience and retention, graduation status compared to peers that have not participated in UGR. Data were drawn from 1,472 students at a comprehensive, teaching-oriented public college, collected administration National Survey Student Engagement (NSSE) 2015 2019, along institutional data. examination uniquely investigates outcomes UGR besides persistence (which are already well documented) leverages lens particular. In addition, this contributes literature colleges, which has been sparse most likely because there many more opportunities for institutions. line several conceptual frameworks student data analysis revealed relative who UGR, UGR-participating higher levels overall satisfaction. also continued enrollment and/or graduated rate after reaching non-participating peers. The implications as suggestions how these institutions can enhance programming, discussed.