What is ISURB?

Independent Study and Undergraduate Research Board (ISURB) is responsible for the research and independent study program at Olin.

A brief history

A committee led by Dr. Sherra Kerns, Vice President of Innovation and Research consisting of four faculty members and four students was formed to study the issues related to undergraduate research and independent study at Olin. The aim of the committee was to produce a set of guidelines for implementation. The decision to form a board which would be responsible for the undergraduate research and independent study program at Olin was made unanimously by the committee. ISURB was thus formed and charged with seven main responsibilities:

• Evaluate and provide feedback on research proposals
• Make recommendations for funding allocations for research/independent study proposals
• Facilitate matching of students with faculty for independent study and research
• Mediate problems that may arise related to ongoing research projects or independent study programs
• Facilitate end of the semester presentations
• Identify weaknesses in the program and implement continuous improvement strategies
• Maintain a detailed historical record of the program

A full report was produced by the committee including definitions and guidelines which were adopted by the college community and implementation began during the spring semester in 2003.