Initiative description.

The primary responsibility of board members is to prepare for and contribute to discussions in board meetings.  All meetings are held in person, and the board conducts 2-3 meetings per semester. Board members are consulted about their schedules before we choose meeting dates and times, and members are expected to attend board meetings regularly. Each meeting involves exploration and discussion of a few key topics or questions related to OUR’s work and undergraduate research on campus. The meeting agenda is determined in advance of each meeting, and items can be placed on the agenda by OUR staff (based in part on feedback received from the student population we serve) and students on the board. To prepare for each meeting, advisory members are typically asked to spend approximately 1-2 hours beforehand reflecting on the agenda questions and issues, and, in some cases, reviewing relevant materials provided by OUR. Members of the board do not cast votes on issues or represent particular constituencies, and the board's role is purely advisory.  In addition to preparing for and participating in board meetings, students on the board may also be offered opportunities to speak with other students about their experiences as undergraduate researchers at campus events. Participation in such opportunities is entirely optional.

We welcome applications from students who have completed at least two semesters of research in a UMD research program (e.g., FIRE or Gemstone), lab, group, or other research setting.

Through their participation, board members will have the opportunity to:​ Offer feedback and insights into student experiences that will help to shape OUR’s work and the experiences of current and future undergraduate researchers on campus. Further hone their communication and leadership skills. Meet and work alongside undergraduate researchers from across the university.

​During the 2025-6 academic year, board members will serve from the beginning of the spring semester until May 2026. In subsequent academic years, board members will serve terms running from September to May. The overall time commitment per semester will be approximately 5-10 hours.

In selecting board members, OUR will strive to assemble a board composed of student researchers from a range of class years and academic fields.   We will also be especially attentive to the following factors in considering each application: The extent to which an applicant’s responses demonstrate effective communication skills, nuanced thinking, and insight into “big picture” issues related to undergraduate research. The insights of the student’s faculty reference.​​

Yes, but we encourage you to reflect on your academic workload and preexisting extracurricular roles before applying and to avoid overcommitting yourself. As previously noted, we estimate that the time commitment for board members will be roughly 5-10 hours a semester.

We intend to hold board meetings in person. We believe that in-person meetings will allow for more free-flowing, spontaneous discussions and foster deeper connections between board members. We will facilitate the Zoom participation of any board members who cannot attend in person for medical or related reasons, but the default expectation is that board members will attend meetings in person.

Please email us or come by office hours.