Valerio 1

Ali Valerio
Dr. Marinara
ENC 3315
13 November 2014
UCF Knights Studying Abroad
Its well-known that UCF stands for opportunity. As the second-largest university in the
nation, UCF provides an extensive array of programs and resources dedicated to excellence and
enrichment. When I came to UCF last fall as an undergraduate freshman, I was hoping to make
the most of my time here. I wanted to dive in to everything UCF had to offer. While I soon
realized that this goal was rather unrealistic, I learned that I should instead pick and choose
wisely the programs that are best suited for me. That being said, I desired to know more about
how I could take full advantage of my status as an undergraduate student at the University of
Central Florida.
Recently, I learned about one aspect of the university that seemed perfect for me. It
encompassed all of the things I valued about being a student at this institution. While research
wasnt initially part of my academic career plan, it has quickly made its way into my heart and
onto my schedule. This makes sense, since UCF is one the nations leading research universities.
I am not an undergraduate researcher yet, but I intend to get involved in research as early as next
semester. I believe all UCF undergraduate students should take part in undergraduate research. In
my essay I will discuss the process of undergraduate research, the benefits, and how students can
get involved in research at UCF.

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What is undergraduate research? It is defined by the Council of Undergraduate Research
as an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate that makes an original intellectual
or creative contribution to the discipline (Definition). This is a simple statement that yet
relates the vast, complex components of research. Research is not defined by or limited to a
particular discipline or area of interest.

Briefly, you are to write a 5-6 page argument using the rhetorical concepts--organization, purpose,
context, audience, appeals--from the text and classroom instructions. No more analyzing; we are on to
application.

All UCF undergraduate students should consider doing undergraduate research.

Benefits:
Build resume
Get letters of recommendation
Publish
Present

Valerio 3
Make connections
Unique experience to discuss
Travel
Make money

Process:
Always teamed up with a mentor
Sometimes you have a project in mind a go to a mentor
Other times you go to a mentor and say you want to do research

Can pay money to get credit, or not pay money and not get credit
Can do it at any time, for any time commitment, early or late in career
In any discipline (can work in our outside your major)

How to Get involved:

Go on website to learn more. Online database has research opportunities. Look at UCF faculty
websites, sometimes they say their research interests. Email faculty.
Specific programs like Honors, LEAD, Excel hold their own programs.
UCF has a lot of programs, partners with other programs

Valerio 4
Create an account on Student Opportunity Center