The PATHWAYS Program: Fostering Undergraduate Research Success in an Online Environment

This presentation will focus on discussion of PATHWAYS, a unique program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical’s Worldwide campus designed to empower online and non-traditional students to excel in their academic pursuits and beyond. PATHWAYS offers a wide array of resources and opportunities tailored both to meet individual interests and goals, and to encourage the development of a community of researchers and scholars, even when their courses are primarily asynchronous online. One focus of PATHWAYS is the development of research skills. Students can apply for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (RSP), a comprehensive research experience including two or more terms/semesters of research under the supervision of a mentor; completion of research training; research dissemination; and reflection. Successful completion of the RSP culminates in a “R” (for research) designation on the official transcript. Another component of PATHWAYS is offering opportunities for paid research assistantships (RAs). RAs work closely with faculty members on their projects and assist with mission-critical activities such as comprehensive literature reviews; implication and broader impact statements; research synthesis; data analysis; and other foundational tasks related to research and scholarship. These positions often result in student involvement in conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and grant proposals. Finally, PATHWAYS honor seminars offer a deeper and more detailed exploration of course topics, and a more engaged and interactive format than other similar classes, providing early student research opportunities.