Question 1

Can students propose or launch a VIP Team?

Accepted Answer

No. Students cannot propose or launch a VIP Team. Students interested in getting involved with VIP can learn more about the program on the VIP Students page.

Question 2

What is the average size and structure of a VIP Team?

Accepted Answer

VIP Teams can range in size from 8 to 30+ students from any major at UMD. We suggest that new teams start with 8-10 students and welcome additional students after they are established. VIP Teams can be organized into any structure that best facilitates the functions of the team; most often, we see VIP teams organized into subteams of around 3-4 students.

Question 3

What benefits do students get from participating?

Accepted Answer

In addition to developing a relationship with their VIP Faculty Mentor and VIP Team, students earn course credit for their involvement in VIP Teams. Long-term engagement in teams allows students the opportunity to develop and hone their communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking skills. These skills help them as they move towards graduation and take on their next steps. Students who take on advanced leadership roles in their teams may earn additional course credit for the extra time they dedicate to supporting their team.

Question 4

What benefits do I get from running a VIP Team?

Accepted Answer

Faculty benefit from student work and a broader impact of their research and education efforts, while students gain additional project experience, leadership opportunities, and teamwork skills. Additionally, VIP Faculty Mentors become part of a growing community of individuals across UMD who engage students in hands-on, experiential, and research-based activities.

Question 5

Are there funds to assist with start-up and/or consumable expenses?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  VIP Faculty Mentors who start new VIP Teams can receive between $2K and $5K (commensurate with needs) to acquire equipment or other consumables needed for student research engagement.

Question 6

What is the time commitment for running a VIP Team?

Accepted Answer

It depends, but ~4 hours per week. VIP Teams should meet once per week during their scheduled course time (1-2 hours per week). This "course" time can be used at the VIP Faculty Mentor's discretion. We often see VIP Teams doing hands-on work, having whole team meetings, and planning next steps during this time. In addition, students are expected to engage in VIP Team activities (e.g., working with their subteams, engaging in literature reviews, hands-on time in the lab, or online work) for an additional 1-2 hours per week. This time may or may not be supervised by VIP Faculty Mentor.

Question 7

What course would I need to teach? Does that involve grading?

Accepted Answer

Each VIP Team is affiliated with a VIPS course that allows students to earn course credit for their engagement in the team. Students earn letter grades in VIPS courses and are assessed based on their documentation & record keeping, teamwork & interaction (peer evaluation), and personal contributions to the team.​​

Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) provides UMD students of all backgrounds, disciplines, and levels of experience with the opportunity to engage in scaffolded, multidisciplinary team-based projects.

VIP Program Concepts & Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions