Undergraduate Research (UGR) is any creative effort undertaken by an undergraduate that advances the knowledge of the student in an academic discipline and leads to new scholarly insights or the creation of new knowledge that adds to the wealth of the discipline. Undergraduate research is valued and encouraged at several HBCUs; however, the history, implementation, nor progress has not been sufficiently published and disseminated nationally. Importantly, a great deal of learning occurs when undergraduate students conduct research and, of course, much of this learning does not happen during the traditional coursework. Research leads to better understanding of and deeper appreciation for the discipline. Further, it is contended that students' career goals and academic expectations are enhanced as a result of research participation. Extensive undergraduate research can increase access to PhD programs. From the voices of faculty mentors, student mentees and UGR program directors and program coordinators this volume describes the successes of programs across HBCUs and discusses how retention and graduation rates have been increased as a result of participation.

Gender Equity: Global Policies and Perspectives on Advancing Social Justice provides an in-depth analysis of global perspectives on advancing public and social gender policy. Shedding new light on inequalities faced by women and girls around the world,, the essays in this collection emphasize cultural biases and societal prejudices women face in STEM and in creative economies as well as in political decision making processes. In doing so, the volume highlights the interlinked relationship between the advancement of global policy and the very interpretation of gender equality.

Narratives of journeys, voyages, and pilgrimages often guide their readers to broad questions about humanism and humanity from a holistic perspective. The essays in this volume approach the theme of travel in narratives of both real and imagined journeys from a variety of different disciplines-history, philosophy, politics, geopolitics, literary studies, regionalism-and examine their religious, psychological, psychoanalytical, philosophical, educational, and historical implications. The essays share an understanding of narratives of journeys across cultural borders as powerful educational tools that can model and contribute to meaningful dialogue with other states, cultures, and civilizations.