Office of Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research Policy

In the spring semester, Virginia Tech will continue its research in a manner that recognizes the importance of safety, transitions back to an in-person student-learning experience, and continues to ramp up research programs.

• We are operating under the university’s modified operations status.
• Most labs can/will be opened. Undergraduate and graduate students working on sponsored research or course credit may return to established or new research projects. 
• Student volunteer research activity in labs is not advised, due to lab space and physical distancing guidelines. 
• Colleges and institutes may add additional requirements in their areas. 
• Allowable research activities require the approval of deans, vice presidents, or institute directors or their designee(s). 
• The COVID-19 Research and Continuity Guidance microsite contains various resources for researchers, including Phase Three: Reopening Guidance.

Read more on VT’s READY webpage.

All undergraduate researchers are required to complete a new mandatory form indicating agreement to the requirements for conducting undergraduate research prior to engaging in any research activities.  Students are required to initiate and sign the form, which applies to all experiential learning modalities. Upon submission, the form will be automatically forwarded to the research supervisor for signature. This form is part of the Virginia Tech Plan for Reinstating Undergraduate Research for 2020-2021 and is in addition to any college level forms required for students wishing to register for undergraduate research credit hours.

For Spring 2021, students registering for research credit must complete the form, even if they will be continuing with the same project. If a student is working with the same faculty member on the same experience and they are volunteering or working for pay only, they do not have to complete the form again.

The Office of Undergraduate Research is operating virtually and can be reached by email at ugr@vt.edu. Visit our Resource and FAQ page related to virtualizing undergraduate research.

Visit Virginia Tech's COVID-19 page for official communications from the university.