Graduation Distinction & Digital Badge

Undergraduate Research Distinctions

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

The Quest for Student Success 2025 states that 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. 

Graduate with Research Distinction and earn a Digital Badge!

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 Graduation 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.

What is a 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. You can create a clear and trackable path to accomplishing your goals by earning digital badges.

New for 2024-25! A digital badge is an MTSU accreditation issued to a student upon successfully completing 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.

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

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Criteria

To be considered for graduation distinction and the digital badge accreditation, students must meet the proposed criteria and apply through InfoReady.

Distinction in Undergraduate Research with a Digital Badge
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 with Digital Badge
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).

How to Apply

Apply through our InfoReady application portal. **Please do not use the Safari browser when applying**

1. Go to mtsu.infoready4.com and click login at the top right. Click the blue MTSU Single Sign On (SSO) button.
2. Select the “Undergraduate Research Graduation Distinction & Digital Badge Application” opportunity from the home page list.
3. On the details page, click “Apply” to start your application.
4. Fill out the form. Your progress is saved automatically, allowing you to resume later.
5. Click “Submit Application” when finished. You’ll receive a confirmation once submitted.