General Information

Date: The next Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum will be held the spring of 2024, at the Rhatigan Student Center.

Program: View a sample program: 2023 URCAF Program.

Tentative Event Schedule:

8:45 – 9:30 a.m.    Student Registration

                                  Judge Orientation

9:30 – 12:30 p.m.  Exhibition & Performance

9:30 – 12:30 p.m.  Oral Presentations

• • • Natural Sciences & Engineering
    • Social Sciences and Humanities
    • Applied Studies

9:30 – 1:00 p.m.    Poster Presentations

• • • Applied Sciences
    • Natural Sciences & Engineering
    • Social Sciences & Humanities

12:30 – 2:00 p.m.  Lunch, RSC

• • • One meal ticket is provided to each presenter and judge. Tickets can be redeemed at Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Freddy’s, or Brkfst & Co.

2:00 – 2:30 p.m.    URCAF Awards Ceremony

Abstract Submission Deadline: (Submissions are closed for 2023. Stay posted for the event details for 2024.) URCAF abstracts should be submitted by the deadline posted. Please keep in mind that the abstracts can describe research in progress, not necessarily research that is completed at the time of abstract submission.

Eligibility: All undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible to participate either individually or as a team. Undergraduate research and creative activity must be completed during the summer 2023, fall 2023, or spring 2024 semesters.

Requirements: Students must submit an abstract (see abstract instructions). Student presentations may include material that has been or will be presented elsewhere. Students are responsible for providing and transporting any necessary equipment and/or materials needed for their presentation.

Presentation Options: There are three presentation categories: oral presentation, poster presentation, and exhibition/performance. Both the oral and poster presentation categories will be divided into three separate competitive groupings: humanities & social sciences, natural sciences & engineering, and applied sciences. Students from all six colleges are encouraged to present. More information is found here.

Concurrent high school students are encouraged to submit their research for presentation and should follow the abstract submission instructions to apply. High school students are eligible for the University Libraries award.

Awards:

• The winning entries will each receive an award in the amount of $250. Second-place finishers will receive an award in the amount of $100. 
• Additionally, the University Libraries is awarding students for demonstrating research skills that utilize the Libraries' resources, including our collections, services, equipment, and facilities with up to three awards.