Truman State University places a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and the teacher-scholar model for its faculty – two key areas that are distinctive about Truman. To further the development of research-based learning communities, many interdisciplinary, a new, coordinated 10-week undergraduate research program was created and debuted in summer 2005 (review this year's projects and mentors). In addition to enhancing the already vigorous undergraduate research environment at Truman, The Next STEP supports the participation of faculty members from Truman’s partner community colleges in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program.
Truman Faculty members serve as research mentors for undergraduate students from Truman and our community college partners, and/or work with faculty members from our partner schools on collaborative projects. Truman faculty members who serve as research mentors receive a stipend, a research budget, and a travel allowance to accompany their team to a professional conference.