Research Intensive (RI) Designation
What is Research Intensive (RI) Designation?
Research Intensive course designations were created to expand the practice of curricular-based research opportunities for students and to allow documentation of student engagement in research on their transcripts.
RI designated courses are ones in which undergraduate students actively engage in the process of research and inquiry at the intensive level through projects and assignments. These projects should count for a significant portion (at least 40%) of the final course grade.
RI courses must include specific language to address how students are engaging in the six Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) and standardized RI language in their syllabi. The OURI Student Achievement Rubric includes examples of one student ability per Student Learning Outcome, with examples of how those abilities would be assessed at the Exposure, Skill Building, and Intensive levels.
To facilitate the inclusion of the Ethics and Communication SLOs in your syllabus, recommended language is provided.
Please consult your college's OURI Liaison for assistance in preparing RI designation materials.
A list of approved RI and DIR courses by College can be found here .
Approved RI and DIR Courses by College
How is Research at an Intensive Level Defined?
More information about how intensive-level research is defined can be found in the OURI Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs). Intensive-level research assesses Synthesis & Evaluation abilities of students across all six SLOs.
The OURI Student Achievement Rubric includes examples of one student ability per SLO, with examples of how those abilities would be assessed the Intensive level.
How to Submit Your Course for RI Designation
We're so happy that you are considering submitting a course for RI designation and promoting intensive-level research scholarship and experiences for undergraduate students. Please review the procedures for submitting a course for RI designation here , including information about what should be included on the syllabus, the initial approval process, and the requirements for continuous improvement through RI designated course reviews.
How to Submit Your Course for RI Designation
Faculty Support for RI Courses
Faculty members teaching approved RI designated courses are eligible to apply for additional support in administering the course. More information about the Graduate Research Consultant (GRC) program and the Course-Enhancement Expense (CEE) program is available here .