Academic Affairs

UMFK students can earn the Undergraduate Research Scholar through activities on our campus.

This micro-credential recognizes and validates the learner’s successful completion of the University of Maine System (UMS) Undergraduate Research Scholar pathway (Levels 1, 2, and 3). The micro-credential validates learners successfully completed a mentored research experience and received a positive appraisal of their work and skill development. The micro-credential also validates the development of competencies in the research process, the application of safety and ethical standards relevant to the work, networking, and presentation skills.

Students may work on and submit the micro-credential at any time during the year. Verification of the activities occurs on December 1 and May 1 of each year.

Outcomes Required

Level I

• The student submitted the Application for Micro-Credential.
• The student completed a research-related professional development activity in a course or seminar on campus.
• The student started a project with a faculty mentor in or outside of a course.
• The student filled out the form and completed a reflection through the form on the experience.

Level II

• The student completed Level I.
• The student completed a research project mentored by a faculty.
• The student completed research-related training, including Responsible Conduct of Research, individually or as part of a course.
• The student submitted their project to the Scholars Symposium or a similar venue.
• The student filled out the form and completed a reflection through the form on the experience.

Level III

• The student completed Level II.
• The student completed a research project that they presented at the Scholars Symposium or a similar venue.
• The student received a positive appraisal from their faculty mentor on their research project and its presentation at the Scholars Symposium or similar venue.
• The student filled out the form and completed a reflection through the form on the experience.

Directions for Students

1. Fill out the initial UMFK Undergraduate Research Scholar application.
2. Create an account on Badgr.
3. Complete Level 1 Activities (see outcomes).
4. Submit the Level 1 Activities Verification form.
5. Complete Level 2 Activities (see outcomes).
6. Submit the Level 2 Activities Verification form.
7. Complete Level 3 Activities (see outcomes).
8. Submit the Level 3 Activities Verification form.
9. Your badges for each level and micro-credential, upon verification, will appear in your Badgr account 6-8 weeks after the verification deadlines.

Directions for Faculty

1. Faculty mentors fill out assessment forms here:
   1. Level I Assessment form
   2. Level II Assessment form
   3. Level III Assessment form

Process for Verification at UMFK

1. Students submit a form through provided links.
2. Faculty fill out assessment forms through provided links.
3. Faculty liaison reviews form submissions on May 1 and December 1 annually.
4. Faculty liaison or designee fills out a spreadsheet (see below on issuance) for the micro-credential team.

Process for issuance with Badgr

1. Students create an account on Badgr with their UMS email.
   1. UMS students needing assistance/troubleshooting can email ums.mc@maine.edu.
2. The UMS micro-credential team receives a spreadsheet with:
   1. Student Name
   2. Student Email
   3. Student Level and Micro-Credential Name
3. The UMS micro-credential team issues badge in Badgr.