VIP Syllabus

Course Syllabus: Vertically-Integrated Projects (VIP) Program

Course Description:

The Vertically-Integrated Projects (VIP) Program provides students with an opportunity to collaborate on innovative research and development projects. Undergraduate students earn academic credit by contributing to design and discovery efforts that support faculty and graduate student research within their fields of expertise.

Key Features of VIP Teams:

  1. Multidisciplinary: Teams are composed of students from diverse disciplines across campus.
  2. Vertically Integrated: Teams include a mix of sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students.
  3. Long-Term Participation:
    • Undergraduate students may participate for up to three semesters.
    • Graduate students may contribute throughout their graduate studies.

Learning Objectives:
By participating in the VIP Program, students will:

  • Develop and practice a wide range of professional skills.
  • Make substantial contributions to technical projects.
  • Experience diverse roles within a large, multidisciplinary team.
  • Engage in mentorship and collaboration:
    • Graduate students mentor undergraduates as they contribute to research-driven design/discovery projects.
  • Contribute to the completion of large-scale, impactful projects that support faculty research initiatives.

Team Structure and Responsibilities:

  • Each team will set designated working times, known as “sub-team meetings.”
  • Students are required to attend all team and sub-team meetings.
  • In case of an absence, students must take responsibility for staying informed about meeting discussions by consulting with team members. An excused absence does not waive this responsibility.

Course Requirements:

  • Active participation in team and sub-team meetings.
  • Consistent contribution to the team’s design/discovery objectives.
  • Collaboration with team members to achieve research and project goals.

Assessment and Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated based on their:

  • Level of engagement in team activities.
  • Quality of contributions to project work.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team