How can I tell whether undergraduate students get meaningful access to research at this university?

To judge whether undergraduates have meaningful research access, look beyond whether the university uses the word “research” and ask what students can actually do, when, and with what level of responsibility. Check the curriculum and laboratory pages for experiments, investigations, seminars, thesis work, faculty supervision, undergraduate projects, or research-assistant opportunities, and ask about expected outputs and eligibility. Faculty and current students can clarify whether participation is open to interested students or limited by selection or capacity.