The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools will review the University’s accreditation this year. In order for their Principles of Accreditation to be met, undergraduates must meet higher research standards.
As a result, the University must implement a Quality Enhancement Plan, and this year the plan chosen by committee is increased undergraduate research.
According to the SACS website, the review is done through two parts: a document that is reviewed by an offsite committee and an on-site review group later in the year.
Lawrence Rouse, associate professor and director of the Coastal Marine Institute, said the purpose of the QEP is to have more undergraduates active in research. 
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Stuart Bell said the QEP is a requirement for all programs. 
“We want it to make an impact, and we need it to be assessed,” Bell said. 
Bell said the onsite evaluation team will come to campus in early March to see how the campus has been engaged in the process and provide suggestions to strengthen up the plan.
Rouse said several faculty members are already working on research with undergraduates, but this plan will pair more students with faculty members to complete research projects. 
“The student would be doing research with a faculty member that would likely lead to research and a publication,” Rouse said. 
He also said the plan aims to target undergrads during their first years at the University. 
The idea is to get more freshmen involved in understanding the principles of research and to make it a whole research process, Rouse said. 
This benefits students academically and boosts their resumes, which could help students get into graduate school.
Rouse also said although the program will not be mandatory, it will be implemented as an option to enhance the academic experience.