Office for Undergraduate Research and Artistry
Guiding Principles
The following principles drive OURA’s work:
Evidence-based impact
OURA commits to collecting and analyzing data (which may include but is not limited to existing literature, institutional reports, student feedback, program evaluation activities) to inform efforts. Using evidence to understand the impacts of OURA activities on students will guide how OURA distributes resources. As part of this process, OURA will implement steps to consider how existing assumptions and values at the unit and institutional level influence data collection and interpretation.
Student-centered
Working with students to help them recognize and develop their unique strengths. Encouraging them to recognize the value that their diverse backgrounds and perspectives bring to the community. Supporting students in accessing opportunities to connect with resources and community members who can provide guidance and support them in building skills that will help move them toward their goals. Focusing on big-picture goals and acknowledging the multiple paths that can lead them towards success.
Place making
OURA aims to establish an environment that prioritizes belonging, thereby enhancing students’ sense of purpose and providing a supportive space for personal growth. By engaging in identity cultivation, students will progress towards a deeper understanding of their individual purpose.
Collaborative
Undergraduate research and artistry opportunities exist across the entire CSU campus and beyond. To further our mission/vision, OURA implements multidirectional coordination, cooperation, input and accountability to and from colleges, departments, professors, students and community partners. We commit to collaboration in order to optimize resources, grow participation, and improve the quality of students’ experiences: collaborative outcomes are greater than those that would be developed on our own as a siloed office.
Growth & Reflection
To successfully provide CSU students with opportunities to engage in excellent research and artistic experiences, OURA fosters, supports, and uses a growth mindset. We seek to engage key stakeholders in deep questioning by providing programming that creates a space for self- and programmatic-reflection. Growth and improvement are goals for our own work and we embrace that we can all get better, learn and grow.
Access and Inclusion
OURA takes a proactive approach to understanding barriers to involvement, inclusion and access and works to design programs, processes, materials and institutional infrastructure aligned with the principles of Universal design – design that aims to make environments and resources accessible and usable by all. OURA focuses on understanding and meeting students where they are and matching what students need to thrive and achieve. We build programs, structures, cultures and infrastructure that facilitate active and intentional engagement for everyone.