MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2015 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Polk, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Longwitz, Montgomery, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Butler (38th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 648

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 13-17, 2015, AS "UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH WEEK IN MISSISSIPPI" TO EMPHASIZE THE VALUE OF INDEPENDENT SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY AT OUR UNIVERSITIES TO FOSTER PROFESSIONAL GROWTH.

     WHEREAS, independent undergraduate scholarly activity nationally and in Mississippi university campuses has grown exponentially over the past 20 years as the rewards to the campus and community are realized.  Compared to their peers, these scholars are far more likely to remain in college and complete their degrees, an issue of great concern at universities today; and

     WHEREAS, the research setting also fosters professional growth as the students are better able to formulate career plans and gain valuable work skills as they enhance their resumés and graduate school application portfolios.  Indeed, their projects offer the opportunity to test-drive their proposed profession; and

     WHEREAS, although students in all fields grow through conducting independent research and creative activity, those in the STEM fields appear to be especially likely to note benefits.  The gains have been found to be even greater for students from underrepresented groups; and

     WHEREAS, the support of the State of Mississippi in celebration of Undergraduate Research Week is a wonderful affirmation of the efforts of undergraduate scholars in Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate April 13-17, 2015, as "Undergraduate Research Week in Mississippi" to emphasize the value in independent scholarly activity at our universities to foster the professional growth of our students, and join the Mississippi undergraduate research community in encouraging independent scholarly activity.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Rodney Bennett, President of the University of Southern Mississippi, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning for appropriate distribution, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.