Mission

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship (OVPRS) coordinates and promotes opportunities for undergraduate students across all disciplines at UH Mānoa (UHM) to engage in mentored research and creative work.

Research and Creative Work Definition

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) defines research and creative work as:

“A mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.”

Additionally, UROP facilitates undergraduate research and creative work at UHM that contains all of the hallmarks identified by Osborn and Karukstis1:

  • Mentored: Mentor intentionally guides students through the entire process while allowing for appropriate development of student independence
  • Original/Authentic Inquiry: Undergraduate research involves inquiry-based discovery and/or original creation, without predetermined outcomes
  • Disciplinarily-Appropriate Inquiry: Students learn and practice the methods/processes, theories, approaches, techniques, and/or tools used by scholars in the discipline
  • Disseminated: Scholars share their discoveries/creations with real-world audiences

UROP adheres to these hallmarks in a number of ways. All undergraduate research and creative work projects supported by UROP are mentored. Moreover, all undergraduate research and creative work projects funded by UROP are reviewed by UHM faculty for their originality, authenticity, and appropriateness within the discipline. Finally, UROP provides on-campus presentation opportunities for all undergraduate students to present their research or creative work, and provides presentation funding opportunities to those who successfully propose to present off-campus.

UROP promotes undergraduate research and creative work at UHM as a complement to the classroom learning experience. It enriches the overall academic experience, and builds a robust foundation for developing lifelong academic, professional, and personal skills. Additionally, undergraduate research and creative work experiences enhance student degree programs, contribute to recruitment and retention of students, and ultimately prepare students to be engaged community members and leaders in their professions in Hawaii, and beyond.

UROP invites you to participate in the undergraduate research and creative work community at UHM. See Programs & Resources to learn more about how to get involved.


[1] Osborn, J. M. and K. K. Karukstis. 2009. The benefits of undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity. In: M. Boyd and J. Wesemann (Eds.), Pages 41-53, Broadening Participation in Undergraduate Research: Fostering Excellence and Enhancing the Impact. Council on Undergraduate Research, Washington, DC.

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