2026 State of Inclusive Excellence
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and the URSA Engage program contribute to improving lives and communities by expanding access to high impact, experiential learning through undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity. By supporting students to engage in mentored research and community engaged projects, our work strengthens pathways into graduate education, public service, and the workforce while addressing real world challenges. URSA Engage projects often focus on issues such as education equity, environmental sustainability, public health, and social justice which benefit communities in Oregon and beyond while preparing students to be thoughtful, skilled contributors to society.
OUR and URSA Engage intentionally reduce structural barriers that have historically limited participation in undergraduate research. Through paid research opportunities, accessible application processes, targeted outreach, and holistic support, we prioritize students who are first generation, low income, transfer students, students of color, and others who may not see themselves represented in research spaces. By centering equity in program design, we expand who participates in knowledge creation and ensure that undergraduate research is not reserved for a privileged few, but accessible to a diverse and representative student body.
URSA Engage emphasizes reciprocal, community engaged approaches that value community partners as co educators and collaborators rather than research subjects. Students work alongside local organizations, schools, nonprofits, and agencies to address community identified needs. These partnerships strengthen impact by grounding projects in lived experience, fostering mutual learning, and ensuring that outcomes are meaningful and beneficial to communities. OUR supports students and faculty in developing ethical, respectful partnerships that prioritize long term relationship building and shared outcomes.
OUR and URSA Engage embody OSU’s Land Grant mission by connecting education with public service and community impact. Through applied, community engaged research, students contribute to solving pressing societal challenges while developing critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. The program extends the university’s knowledge and resources beyond campus, reinforcing OSU’s commitment to serving the public good and advancing equitable outcomes through education and research.
We support student success by providing individualized advising, mentoring, professional development, and structured reflection opportunities throughout the research experience. OUR fosters a sense of belonging by affirming students’ identities, valuing diverse ways of knowing, and creating spaces where students can see themselves as scholars and change makers. By connecting students to faculty mentors, peers, and community partners, we help build supportive networks that strengthen persistence and clarify academic and career pathways.
Our strategies include partnering with community organizations that reflect and represent the communities involved, centering community identified priorities, and encouraging students to engage in reflective and ethical research practices. We emphasize cultural humility, asset based frameworks, and ongoing feedback from community partners and participants. Program materials, mentoring approaches, and evaluation practices are regularly reviewed to ensure they are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to lived experience.
Students report increased confidence, clarity in academic and career goals, and a stronger sense of belonging at OSU. Many participants continue into advanced research opportunities, graduate school, or community focused careers. Community partners benefit from student contributions, research capacity, and strengthened relationships with OSU. Institutionally, OUR and URSA Engage help cultivate a culture where undergraduate research is recognized as a powerful tool for equity, learning, and community impact.
Recognition at the state or national level affirms the value of investing in equitable, community engaged undergraduate research. It signals that OUR and URSA Engage are contributing to broader conversations about access, student success, and the role of public universities in addressing societal challenges. Such recognition highlights OSU as a leader in inclusive excellence and high impact educational practices.
What gives us hope is the growing interest among students, faculty, and community partners in collaborative, equity driven research and learning. Looking ahead, there are opportunities to expand funding, deepen community partnerships, and reach more students earlier in their academic journeys. Continued investment in inclusive undergraduate research will be essential for advancing inclusive excellence, strengthening community impact, and preparing the next generation of scholars and civic leaders.
