Digital Badge & Graduation Distinction

Undergraduate Research Distinctions

The Undergraduate Research Center (URC) is proud to announce the new Undergraduate Research Distinction recognitions; Digital Badge and Graduation Distinction. 

As stated in the Quest for Student Success 2025, MTSU is committed to graduating students “who are prepared to thrive professionally, committed to critical inquiry and life-long learning, and engaged as civically, globally responsible citizens.”  To achieve this goal, the University seeks to provide each student with a distinctive learning experience that lays the foundation for his or her own student success, life-long learning, and civic engagement.

The Undergraduate Research Center (URC) aligns with this strategic path by providing students with opportunities to engage in mentored research during which faculty lead, guide, and engage students in intellectual pursuits and recognizing that commitment to an enriched faculty experience lies at the core of an enriched student experience. Our goal is to promote mentored research at the undergraduate level, and provide university support for students who engage in critical inquiry and life-long learning.  These distinctions recognize students who are holistically committed to the pursuit of undergraduate research and creative activity. 

To achieve a designation, students must meet the proposed criteria and submit an application.

Digital Badge 

Are you ready to stand out in higher education and beyond? Accreditation is crucial for potential future funding, recruiting, and job placement, and digital badges play a vital role in showcasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to achieve this accreditation. By earning digital badges, you can create a clear and trackable path to accomplishing your goals.

New for 2024-25! A digital badge is an MTSU accreditation issued to a student upon successful completion of a set of courses, programs, or other competencies. Digital badges are visual representations of your achievements. Share them on social media, websites, resumes, or digital portfolios to showcase your accomplishments to potential employers, peers, and educators. Embrace digital badges to highlight your journey and stand out in a competitive landscape!

Description

The Undergraduate Research Distinction badge recognizes students who have achieved excellence in undergraduate research or creative activity through active engagement, mentorship, and a scholarly or artistic contribution to their academic discipline.

Outcomes

Students will make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge through their research or creative activity.

Digital Badge Distinction Criteria

Required Competencies:
To apply for the Undergraduate Research Distinction digital badge you must fulfill all the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of an Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA) grant project.
2. Poster presentation or creative performance at one of the URC’s signature events:  Fall Open House, Scholars Week or Summer Research Celebration.
3. Active participation for at least one academic year in the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). 
4. Endorsement from URECA faculty mentor.

After applying and receiving acceptance confirmation from the URC, badges are awarded through Parchment. To access your badge, simply set up an account and you will receive an email from Parchment with instructions to claim your badge. All your badges can be stored in one place, making it easy to include them on your résumé, share on social media, or attach to your transcript.

---

Graduate with Research Distinction! 

Stand out at graduation with the prestigious Research Distinction cords and SCHOLAR medallion. This distinction will highlight your valuable research experience, showcase your collaboration with faculty mentors, and enhance your resume with a distinguished achievement that sets you apart in both your academic and professional career. Join us in celebrating your dedication, hard work, and intellectual contributions to your field!

Levels of Recognition

Distinction in Undergraduate Research
Students receive a dark blue, light blue, and white cord.

Scholar Distinction in Undergraduate Research
Students receive a dark blue, light blue, and white cord AND a SCHOLAR medallion.

Graduation Distinction Criteria

Distinction in Undergraduate Research
To apply for the Distinction in Undergraduate Research you must fulfill all the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of an Assistant level URECA project – 50 hours of research or more.
2. Poster presentation or creative performance at one of the URC’s signature events:  Fall Open House, Scholars Week or Summer Research Celebration.
3. Active participation for at least one academic year in the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). 
4. Endorsement from URECA faculty mentor.

Scholar Distinction in Undergraduate Research
To apply for the Scholar Distinction in Undergraduate Research you must fulfill all the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of a Scholar level URECA project – 100 hours of research or more.
2. Poster presentation or creative performance at one of the URC’s signature events:  Fall Open House, Scholars Week or Summer Research Celebration.
3. Active participation for at least one academic year in the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research (SOAR). 
4. Poster or Presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research or published in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
5. Endorsement from one or more URECA faculty mentor(s).
6. Serve on the Council for Undergraduate Research, Vision, and Exploration (CURVE).