Support student research at UTD

The Short-Term Working Group (SWG) program at UT Dallas addresses a critical gap in research accessibility. Research shows that undergraduate research experiences can significantly increase students’ confidence and awareness of graduate programs. However, the traditional model of research requires significant time and resource commitments from both students and faculty, which limits opportunities for many students — especially those juggling work or family responsibilities. The SWG program is an innovative solution to this issue.

The Purpose of SWG

• To increase opportunities for meaningful short-term faculty-student relationships.
• To positively affect student outcomes including ratings of academic self-efficacy, intellectual confidence, interest in graduate training and self-reports of belonging.

What is a SWG?

The SWG program engages faculty to propose projects that engage small cohorts of students (around 10 per group) in four goal-driven sessions over one semester. This flexible approach makes research experiences more accessible to students who might not otherwise have the time to commit.

The program creates meaningful faculty-student engagement, helping close the gap for the 30% of first-generation students who do not know a professor well enough to ask for a letter of recommendation. Additionally, the SWG program offers faculty a unique opportunity to dive into passion projects, explore new research ideas, or enhance their class curriculum — endeavors they might otherwise set aside due to the demands of their regular workload and time constraints. It gives them a collaborative space with the freedom to innovate and reconnect with their passions while rejuvenating their enthusiasm for teaching. The program has launched 35 projects to date in only four semesters and over 500 student applicants to the program. Student and faculty interest continue to grow steadily with growing campus enthusiasm about the collaborative and innovative approach SWGs offer. 

Past SWG projects have included:

• Exploring bio-concrete for building infrastructure on other planets to identify key experiments for NASA space research applications.
• Designing a multi-page website for the African American Museum Dallas, showcasing the civil rights leader, A. Maceo Smith.
• Developing course materials for new undergraduate and graduate courses

Student outcomes have included:

• 84% of SWG students reported developing a relationship with their SWG faculty
• 81% of SWG students reported feeling comfortable asking for a letter of recommendation
• SWG students show increases in skill building, including areas of intellectual curiosity, team collaboration, confidence in idea sharing, social skills and research skills. Effects are even more pronounced for first-generation students!

SWG students can’t say enough good things about the program. One participant shared: “This was the first time I had been involved in something on campus and I think it’s something that I'll always remember. ... Being a part of this has made me feel more connected to campus and more confident in sharing my ideas.” 

 Our SWG faculty find the experience transformative as well. One faculty member shared: “Nine students met at - 8:30 a.m.- four times - by choice - to find and discuss developmental research. They brought articles, ideas, questions and so much positive energy that we could never, not once, end on time. The tangible product was a high-quality reading list (big win!). The intangible product was joy in watching students engage to learn (biggest win!!!).”

The projects have taken on life outside the program. With film festival recognitions, conference presentations, book chapters, campus events and grant funding, the short-term projects have long-term impacts. To learn more about how the SWG program is impacting UT Dallas click on the following links:

SWG website |  Office of the Provost Series 

The Ask! Help us celebrate the incredible work of students and faculty in the SWG program by contributing to our first annual showcase! This special event will highlight the innovative projects and collaborations that have taken place within the program. Your donations will ensure we can create a meaningful celebration of their efforts and accomplishments.

Our goal is to raise $2,500, which will cover event costs. Any additional funds will be put to very good use supporting research assistants working on two IRB-approved studies documenting the student and faculty outcomes of the program. Thank you for supporting the SWG program at UT Dallas!