Undergraduate Education in the Public Research University Symposium

The objective of this symposium is to explore the distinctive advantages and challenges of offering an undergraduate education of the highest level of excellence at a public research university.  We will ask the question: is there a research university advantage for undergraduate education?  How can we define and measure it?  How can we best engage undergraduates in research?  How can we scale high-impact practices that often depend on relatively low student/faculty ratios?  How can universities of this scale use residential life to help achieve their educational goals?  What cost-effective strategies can increase capacity?  And if an institution determines that change is important in undergraduate pedagogy, how can it best motivate and effect change?

Symposium participants will explore the distinctive advantages and challenges research-intensive public university face in providing a quality and exceptional undergraduate education. Major public universities educate nine percent of all U.S. undergraduates; they have comprehensive academic and professional programs, world famous faculty and among the most diverse student bodies; students participate in faculty directed research, in co-curricular activities and various forms of public service; they have access to unique facilities and support services. Yet public universities also face major challenges in providing and affordable and quality undergraduate experience due to declining public investment, rising student to faculty ratios, and, some would argue, the priority faculty and institutions place on research productivity.

This event is open to the public. It is recommended for guests that are interested in higher education through the lens of the undergraduate experience. 

Organized by the Center for Studies in Higher Education, UC Berkeley, & the Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) Consortium Co-Sponsors: UC Berkeley Office of the Chancellor