Building a Web-based Research Center: Ideas for the UNM-CLARIS Web

The UNM-CLARIS Web is a new research center, designed to exist solely on the World Wide Web, dedicated to collecting and conducting research on the new and expanding field of individualized studies in higher education. Many specialized and innovative degree programs exist throughout the United States that allow undergraduate/graduate students to design their own degree curriculums. However, those programs are not efficiently connected in a pro-active way sharing ideas or resources for the students benefit. Our research center is building a digital interactive encyclopedia and listserv that will help students, faculty, and staff in interdisciplinary and individualized degrees to make the most of their opportunities creatively. Creativity is the key to student development and post graduation marketability. We intend to create a forum for exchange (ideas, strategies, and research) that will continue to develop and strengthen the various programs that exist, as well as provide guidance for new/changing programs.