Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP)
Launching in Spring 2026, the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to earn academic credit while engaging in extended multi-disciplinary, team-based projects related to the expertise or active research areas of Indiana University faculty members.
The VIP Program involves both undergraduate and graduate students in faculty-led multidisciplinary projects for credit for at least 2 semesters. Students have the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities in their second year and beyond.
VIP teams are:
- Faculty centric: Faculty propose projects, select team disciplines, and captain their team over multiple semesters
- Open to all students: VIP is suitable for first-time and experienced researchers or project-based learners alike
- Large multi-disciplinary teams: Each team consists of 5-30 students, often supported by graduate students alongside faculty
What VIP students do:
- Attend weekly meetings (scheduled class times), report on progress, and identity tasks for the coming week
- Contribute to innovative research alongside undergraduate and graduate peers
- Document work for grading, research teams, intellectual property, and personal portfolios
Benefits to students and faculty of long-term VIP structure:
- Students gain professional skills through team-based work and accountability with the opportunity to experience multiple roles and advancement opportunities
- Faculty benefit from discovery-based projects and continuity to advance research design and agenda
- Long term mentor relationships between students and faculty