02-29214. Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate an Information Collection

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for no longer than 1 year.

DATES:

Written comments on this notice must be received by January 17, 2003, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Contact Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 295, Arlington, Virginia 22230; telephone [phone]; or send e-mail to [e-mail]. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. You also may obtain a copy of the data collection instrument and instructions from Ms. Plimpton.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Collection: Evaluation of NSF Support for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO).

OMB Number: 3145-0121.

Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.

Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an information collection for one year.

Abstract: “Evaluation of NSF Support for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO).”

Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages a number of programs that provide meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students. This suite of programs include: Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), both the Site and Supplement components; Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI); the undergraduate research components in several of NSF's large research centers programs, e.g., Engineering Research Centers (ERC) Programs, Science and Technology Centers (STCs); and several institution-wide resources development programs in which undergraduate research experiences are often one component.

These Programs provide a wide range of US undergraduate students with opportunities to conduct hands-on research under the mentorship of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty in various types of higher education institutions, including small liberal arts colleges, minority-serving institutions, research universities, as well as non-profit institutions in which science or engineering research is conducted.

The purpose of the proposed evaluation is to examine the impact of undergraduate research experiences supported by NSF on the undergraduate student and faculty and other mentors who participate. Study questions include: Why do undergraduates choose to participate in research activities? What are the perceived advantages and disadvantages to faculty for mentoring undergraduates in research activities? What are the criteria for selecting students for research activities? What kinds of activities comprise undergraduate “research” experiences? How do undergraduate research experiences affect students' decisions about their academic and work future?

Use of the Information: The information will allow NSF to review its portfolio of programs in which a substantial number of undergraduates participate in research projects of faculty and other mentors to determine whether there needs to be any rebalancing. In addition, it will include an inventory of undergraduate research opportunities around the US and contribute to the literature on best practices in undergraduate research experiences.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 9000.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3000 hours—9000 respondents at 20 minutes each.

Frequency of Responses: One time.

Comments: Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond.

Dated: November 13, 2002.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.