Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)
are long-term, large-scale projects that unite undergraduate education and faculty research, innovation, and entrepreneurship through multidisciplinary teams.
About VIP
Vertically Integrated, Multidisciplinary
Scaffolded Engagement
Teams are "vertically integrated" such that VIP team compositions typically include sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, post-docs, and faculty. New VIP students learn from and replace those who graduate by engaging in peer-to-peer learning and mentorship, which sustains each VIP team beyond any one student.
Multidisciplinary Teams
VIP@Maryland advertises to and attracts students from all disciplines at UMD. As such, VIP helps facilitate the completion of ambitious, multidisciplinary projects, which strengthen and expand faculty scholarship and exploration.
Credit Bearing
Undergraduate students earn academic credit for their work and have direct experience with the innovation process, while faculty and graduate students benefit from the extended efforts of their teams.
Long-Term,
Large-Scale
Multi-Semester Research
VIP extends project-based learning beyond a single semester, with students participating for up to three years. It provides the time and context for students to gain deeper insights into their field of study, to learn and practice professional skills, to make substantial contributions to real-world projects, and to experience different roles on large, multidisciplinary teams.
Scalable Team Sizes
VIP Teams can be made up of 5-30+ students from any undergraduate year or major, and student engagement can be structured and organized to best serve the VIP Team goals and outcomes. While teams often begin with fewer members, team sizes can scale up to best suit the needs of the team.
Research, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship
Rooted in Faculty Research & Expertise
Each VIP team has large-scale and multi-faceted objectives in research, design, entrepreneurship, or community outreach & service. Projects are embedded in the research agenda, interests, scholarship, and expertise of the faculty leader. As such, VIP Teams can take on many forms and work to achieve a range of team-specific goals, outcomes, and products.
