The Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program revolutionizes higher education by engaging undergraduate and graduate students in ambitious, long-term, large-scale, multidisciplinary project teams led by faculty. With over two decades of rigorous evaluation and refinement, VIP offers a transformative learning experience.
Connecting Students with Faculty and Research
VIP teams consist of undergraduate students from diverse years, disciplines, and backgrounds who collaborate with faculty and graduate students in cutting-edge research and exploration. Undergraduates earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience in the innovation process. Faculty and graduate students benefit from the sustained contributions of their teams.
Key Components Driving Student Success
Faculty-Led, Team-Based Projects
Faculty design projects based on their scholarly interests, bringing expertise and passion to their teams. This structure not only enhances faculty research and graduate student work but also prioritizes undergraduate learning.
Collaboration and Mentorship
VIP’s long-term framework fosters a unique mentorship environment. Faculty and graduate students mentor teams, experienced students guide newcomers, and team members transition into leadership roles as others graduate. This process builds leadership, collaboration, and mentorship skills.
Active Participation
Students can join VIP teams as early as their sophomore year, earning credits each semester and participating throughout their academic careers. This extended involvement allows students to:
Mutual Investment
Students are co-owners of intellectual property generated through VIP projects, fostering entrepreneurial interests. Many teams collaborate with external partners from industry, government, and the community, broadening the program’s impact.
The VIP Program exemplifies the power of integrating education, research, and innovation, offering unmatched opportunities for students and faculty to excel in a dynamic, collaborative environment.