[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 212 (Wednesday, November 3, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 64113]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24533]


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NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Intent To Seek Approval to Revise and Extend an 
Information Collection

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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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 3, 
2005, 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, VA 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: Follow-up Research on Undergraduate Research 
Opportunities (URO-2).
    OMB Number: 3145-0121.
    Expiration Date of Approval: April 30, 2006.
    Type of request: Intent to seek approval to revise and extend an 
information collection for one year.
    Abstract: Follow-up Research on Undergraduate Research 
Opportunities (URO-2).
    Proposed Project: The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages a 
number of programs that provide meaningful research experiences for 
undergraduate students. This suite of programs includes: 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.
    The purpose of the proposed evaluation is to follow-up on 
undergraduate participants in research experiences supported by NSF who 
were surveyed in 2003. The 2003 survey collected information about why 
participants chose to participate in research, the nature of the 
research activities, effects of research on participants knowledge, 
skills, confidence, awareness, and academic and career interests and 
aspirations. The proposed survey will provide information about 
participants' current academic and employment status (in 2003, most of 
the respondents were in their senior year of college) and participants' 
current perceptions of the effects of their undergraduate research 
experiences on their career and academic decisions. The survey database 
will be linked to that of the 2003 survey to assess differences on a 
number of dimensions, including NSF program, academic major, type of 
academic institution, and sex and race/ethnicity of the participant.
    Use of the information: NSF and others who design undergraduate 
research programs will be able to use the information to help design 
programs that meet the needs of different kinds of students in 
different kinds of settings.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response.
    Respondents: Individuals.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 2900.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1450 hours--2900 
respondents at 30 minutes each.
    Frequency of response: 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: October 29, 2004.
Suzanne H. Plimpton,
Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation.
[FR Doc. 04-24533 Filed 11-2-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M