What we are currently doing to engage students in research opportunities:

SURI (Summer Undergraduate Research Institute)

• The WCU Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) was created to increase the interest in and opportunities for undergraduate research and creative activity in all disciplines. Students work collaboratively with a faculty mentor through a five-week program in the first summer session, conducting research and creative activities which will help prepare students for graduate-level studies and/or careers. SURI participants will spend 37.5 hours a week on their project and receive a stipend to support their work. Students will also participate in weekly research-focused events and activities, to foster collaboration and networking. 

Check out more about our SURI program here. 

WCU-SURF 
Up to 20 undergraduate applicants will be chosen to receive a $500 stipend to work on research and creative activity projects under the mentorship of a WCU faculty member. This opportunity will:           

• Increase the interest in and opportunities for undergraduate research or creative activity in all disciplines. 
• Promote scholarly collaboration between students and faculty. 
• Promote critical thinking and prepare students for careers and graduate studies.

SRCA awards
The purpose of the SRCA is to recognize outstanding graduate and undergraduate students who have completed original research or creative projects in collaboration with a faculty mentor. SRCA awards are presented to students who have conducted independent work that is original and substantive, given the standards and objectives of their field. 

Student stipend research grants 
ORSP actively supports faculty who apply for grants that focus on providing students with financial stipends. Currently, we have five multi-million dollar grants that do just that!  

Research and Creative Activities Day
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) will hosts an annual Research & Creative Activities Day every spring in Sykes Ballrooms. This event highlights student, faculty, and administrator research from all academic disciplines across our campus community. Come share your research with us!