 In 1969 , Margaret MacVicar founded the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program ( UROP ) to enable undergraduates to collaborate directly with faculty members and researchers . Students join or initiate research projects ( " <unk> " ) for academic credit , pay , or on a volunteer basis through postings on the UROP website or by contacting faculty members directly . A substantial majority of undergraduates participate . Students often become published , file patent applications , and / or launch start @-@ up companies based upon their experience in <unk> . 
