The Learning through Discovery Initiative is the University of Houston ’s comprehensive Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The initiative promotes a teaching and learning culture supportive of research in all disciplines for all undergraduate students. The initiative focuses on 1) providing research skills training and 2) expanding student research opportunities both on and off campus.
These goals of the initiative were cited in the UH QEP Report:
This definition of research was adopted by the UH QEP Planning Committee to be broadly inclusive of research in all disciplines:
Research is a diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in
order to discover facts or principles, and increase the sum of knowledge,
enhance design, or enrich artistic ability.
These QEP Student Learning Outcomes were cited in the UH QEP Report:
Many of skills specified in QEP Student Learning Outcomes are reflected in the research cycle:
The Discovery programs and services are available to all enrolled UH undergraduate students. All students are eligible to use online eDiscovery resources, enroll in courses, attend workshops and events, practice with tutorials, and connect with mentors. Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows may participate but preference for limited capacity events will be given to undergraduates. Research internships are open for all eligible students to apply. Some opportunities require that applicants meet financial aid or minimum GPA qualifications.
Faculty and staff teach and mentor students in research skills by offering research-based courses and workshops, providing resources and services to support research, and mentoring students engaging in research in class, laboratory, campus offices, or local community.
Professionals, artists, and scholars – including our many UH alumni – mentor students by sharing their experiences and advice as registered Reality Chats Speakers. They also volunteer to mentor student project teams or judge student projects, presentations, performances, and exhibitions.
Businesses and non-profit organizations help train the future workforce by offering opportunities for students to engage in research projects in real-world settings to hone their research skills. They create and post research internships and post projects in the Real-World Team Projects Registry. Corporations and foundations may also sponsor resources and programs or make in-kind contributions to support the initiative.
eDiscovery is the portal to searchable databases that will facilitate connections between students, the campus community, and the Houston area community. The Discovery website and eDiscovery together provide a one-stop information resource for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Some features of eDiscovery will be launched starting in February 2009. Contact discovery@uh.edu to request an account. eDiscovery Overview (PDF)
Visit the information gateways at www.uh.edu/discovery to learn more about Discovery resources and programs.