04-24533. Notice of Intent To Seek Approval to Revise and Extend 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 3, 2005, 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, VA 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 [phone] 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: Follow-up Research on Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO-2).

OMB Number: 3145-0121.

Expiration Date of Approval: April 30, 2006.

Type of request: Intent to seek approval to revise and extend an information collection for one year.

Abstract: Follow-up Research on Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO-2).

Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages a number of programs that provide meaningful research experiences for undergraduate students. This suite of programs includes: 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 follow-up on undergraduate participants in research experiences supported by NSF who were surveyed in 2003. The 2003 survey collected information about why participants chose to participate in research, the nature of the research activities, effects of research on participants knowledge, skills, confidence, awareness, and academic and career interests and aspirations. The proposed survey will provide information about participants' current academic and employment status (in 2003, most of the respondents were in their senior year of college) and participants' current perceptions of the effects of their undergraduate research experiences on their career and academic decisions. The survey database will be linked to that of the 2003 survey to assess differences on a number of dimensions, including NSF program, academic major, type of academic institution, and sex and race/ethnicity of the participant.

Use of the information: NSF and others who design undergraduate research programs will be able to use the information to help design programs that meet the needs of different kinds of students in different kinds of settings.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response.

Respondents: Individuals.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2900.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1450 hours—2900 respondents at 30 minutes each.

Frequency of response: 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: October 29, 2004.

Suzanne H. Plimpton,

Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.