APIRG Research Committee

APIRG Research Exchange (AREx): Overview

What is the APIRG Research eXchange (AREx)?

The APIRG Research eXchange is a network where students in directed studies courses, Community Service Learning (CSL) classes, or classes in which the professor allows a community project to take the place of another assignment, can connect with non-profit community organizations that need research but have limited resources.

By matching these parties up, we hope to integrate more community-initiated and -directed research into student education at the U of A, as well as support the development and sustainability of community groups working toward change.

Similar research exchanges have been successfully developed at campuses all across North America, yet few academic institutions in Alberta have a comparable program. APIRG is initiating the APIRG Research Exchange because we believe that academic research should respond to community needs.

What is the mandate of AREx?

The goal of AREx is to facilitate research in collaboration with the local community—in the spirit of mobilizing academic resources for social justice and community action. We are also committed to introducing ideas of participatory action research to the APIRG community.

How does AREx work?

Community groups submit project proposals to APIRG. If the project matches the guidelines of the program and is suitable for academic requirements at the U of A, the project is posted online and publicized to the campus community. Motivated students choose a project that matches their interests, areas of study, and class requirements, and APIRG facilitates matching students with groups.

A faculty member approves the project so that it can be counted toward the student's course credit, and the student works under the guidance of the community group and the faculty member. The finished project is credited to the student but remains under the ownership and control of the community organization.

At the same time students benefit from research experience that is community-based, practical, and progressive, community organizations gain accessible and responsible research that can be used in the way they decide.

To learn more about AREx, please read our frequently asked questions.

 

 

Contact Information