[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 222 (Monday, November 18, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69574-69575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-29214]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Reinstate 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 17, 
2003, 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, Virginia 22230; telephone 703-292-7556; or send 
e-mail to [email protected]. Individuals who use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay 
Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 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: Evaluation of NSF 
Support for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (URO).
    OMB Number: 3145-0121.
    Expiration Date of Approval: Not applicable.
    Type of Request: Intent to seek approval to reinstate an 
information collection for one year.
    Abstract: ``Evaluation of NSF Support for Undergraduate Research 
Opportunities (URO).''
    Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages a 
number of programs that provide meaningful research experiences for 
undergraduate students. This suite of programs include: 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.

[[Page 69575]]

    The purpose of the proposed evaluation is to examine the impact of 
undergraduate research experiences supported by NSF on the 
undergraduate student and faculty and other mentors who participate. 
Study questions include: Why do undergraduates choose to participate in 
research activities? What are the perceived advantages and 
disadvantages to faculty for mentoring undergraduates in research 
activities? What are the criteria for selecting students for research 
activities? What kinds of activities comprise undergraduate 
``research'' experiences? How do undergraduate research experiences 
affect students' decisions about their academic and work future?
    Use of the Information: The information will allow NSF to review 
its portfolio of programs in which a substantial number of 
undergraduates participate in research projects of faculty and other 
mentors to determine whether there needs to be any rebalancing. In 
addition, it will include an inventory of undergraduate research 
opportunities around the US and contribute to the literature on best 
practices in undergraduate research experiences.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 20 minutes per response.
    Respondents: Individuals.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 9000.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3000 hours--9000 
respondents at 20 minutes each.
    Frequency of Responses: 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: November 13, 2002.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 02-29214 Filed 11-15-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M