SPRING WORKSHOP #2

Date: Friday, March 21, 11:30 AM – 1 PM 
Mode: In-person and on Zoom. 
Topic: Faculty and students my drop in any time and chat about any topic. Completing and uploading UURAF projects, using Spartan Experience Record and MSU Commons. 
Zoom Location: https://msu.zoom.us/j/6292769303
In-Person Location: Main Library, 4 West (Music Library), W403A

MSU URCA Workshops 

MSU’s Undergraduate Research Office has frequent workshops on topics ranging from “how to find opportunities” to “how to write an abstract.” Click here to view upcoming workshops: https://urca.msu.edu/workshops 

Why present at a conference? Sharing your ideas with a broader audience can lead to valuable feedback, a great addition to your resumé, greater confidence in public speaking, and the chance to connect with scholars and professionals in your field. This can lead to academic and career opportunities.

UURAF 

Friday, April 11 at the Breslin Center, and online
Registration is open, closes February 12 (late registration Feb 14 – Mar 19)
What is UURAF? The University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) is MSU’s premier showcase where undergraduate students present their research and creative projects to the campus community.
Why do UURAF? Participating in UURAF gives you a platform to share your work, gain valuable presentation experience, an interesting line on your résumé, and feedback that enhances your academic and professional development. Plus: There are AWARDS & PRIZES!
What can be submitted? You can submit research or creative projects from any discipline, at any stage in development, including posters, oral presentations, coursework, performances, exhibits, or multimedia works
What will I do? Presentations include poster, oral, performance, visual art, film presentation
What does it cost? Registration is free. Gap funding of up to $200 is available for presentation material (such as poster printing), through the CAL-URCA Office. Please have your mentor click here to apply
How to register? Step-by-step registration guide

Mid-SURE

Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the STEM Building, and online
Registration is open May 19 to July 10, 2025.
Mid-SURE is an opportunity for students to present their work on MSU’s campus over the summer: Click here for more information.  
What does it cost? Registration is free. Gap funding of up to $200 is available for presentation material (such as poster printing), through the CAL-URCA Office. Please have your mentor click here to apply.

NCUR

The deadline for submissions has passed. If you didn’t submit this year, please do this next year!
April 7-9, 2025 – Pittsburgh
Registration is open, closes March 7 (discounts for early registration)
What is NCUR? The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is a prestigious annual event where students from across the country present their research and creative projects, engage with peers and experts, and explore academic and professional opportunities.
Why present NCUR? Presenting at NCUR allows your to showcase your work on a national stage, gain valuable feedback, network with peers and professionals, and enhance your academic and career prospects with interesting achievements.
What can be submitted? Research and creative projects can include posters, oral presentations, visual arts, and performances.
What does it cost? Registration fees will be paid for by MSU by following these directions. Travel costs may be paid for in part by CAL-URCA, the department, and the student’s mentor.
How to register: Click here for the registration link.

Diversity Research Showcase

This MSU conference is hosted by the Honors College. It is open to all students that want to share work (or work in progress) on issues of diversity that advance inclusion. Presenters are eligible for a competition with monetary awards. Click here for more information. 

WORLDCUR

Stay Tuned: WorldCUR’s next conference will be in 2026. Information about location and registration has not yet been posted. 
What is WorldCUR? WorldCUR is one of the largest platforms in the world dedicated exclusively to undergraduate research. Previous Congresses have seen over 300 delegates from over 30 different countries over the three days presenting their research work on a diverse range of topics. WorldCUR was hosted in Qatar in 2016, Germany in 2019, and the UK in 2023.

Disciplinary Conferences 

A disciplinary conference is a gathering of scholars, professionals, and students in a specific field where you can present your research or creative work, receive feedback from experts, network with potential mentors, and build professional experience in your academic or career path. Talk with your mentor about upcoming conferences.

Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Advocacy Program

The STR Program (run by NCUR) is a professional development opportunity for undergraduate students and faculty/mentors interested in skills to connect research to groups such as funding agencies, association partners, elected officials, future employers, community, and beyond. MSU may pay for registration and travel. See funding directions here.

Scholarship and Social Justice Undergraduate Research Conference

April 17-18, 2025, Harvard University.
Submission deadline: February 13, 2025.
This is an opportunity to celebrate scholarship aimed at creating social change. Present as part of a panel, or share a poster. This conference is free to attend. Click here for a presentation. Click here to submit a proposal. 

SPARC

MSU Commons

Share Your Story with Us

Got a CAL-URCA story? Want to boast about a great student research project, or recognize your awesome mentor? Click here to leave your story.

Find a Position

Handshake is an online forum where faculty often post paid positions. Click here to create an account.

Networking directly with faculty is the most direct way to find a research position that aligns with your specific interests. Workshops such as the Pathways to Research Program help you navigate that process. 

Pathways to Research Program (Summer and School Year)

The Summer 2025 cohort is now open! This will be a 4-week synchronous online program to help undergraduate students find and connect with mentors to secure a paid undergraduate research position. Students can register at https://urca.msu.edu/pathway. Registration closes on May 23, 2025. The cohort runs from June 2 to June 30, 2025. 

This is a 4-week cohort-based program run by the Undergraduate Research office where students meet regularly to build foundations for undergraduate research. Academic year applications typically open at the beginning of September. https://urca.msu.edu/pathway 

Research Abroad

Click here to learn how to combine undergraduate research with education abroad: https://urca.msu.edu/abroad 

Summer Research

Click here to explore opportunities for summer research: https://urca.msu.edu/summer 

Honors College

Students in the Honors College can take advantage of various programs, including Professorial Assistantships, Research Seminars, and the Research Scholars Program. Click here for more information.

CAL-URCA OFFICE

You may apply for up to $200 in gap funding to pay for conference registration fees or materials needed to present at UURAF or NCUR (such as poster printing). Please have your mentor click here to apply.

CAL-URI

CAL Undergraduate Research Initiative (CAL-URI) grants are awarded once a year and are a key way that faculty fund undergraduate research assistants.  This funding comes in equal parts from the Provost and CAL. Only faculty may apply. The call for applications goes out in late August and is due mid-September. Funding may be used to pay for student wages, student travel, and for presentation supplies.

• These grants can be up to $1000.
• In 2024, we had 44 applications and $32,000 was awarded.  

Faculty are responsible for crafting a high-quality, high-impact mentorship experience for the student research assistant. The application includes a brief description of the project and student work. Students supported by CAL-URI grants are expected to present at UURAF. Work should also be entered into the Spartan Experience Record through the Undergraduate Research Experience Module. 

Julian Samora Endowed Scholarship

The scholarships, named in honor of Dr. Julian Samora, support two students, (one Graduate and one Undergraduate) engaged in scholarly activities focused on Latino/as in Midwestern communities. Click here for more information. 

Faculty Funding Opportunities from CAL

Click here for a list of additional faculty funding opportunities.

Undergraduate Research Office Funding

Click here for an extensive list of funding resources maintained by the Undergraduate Research Office.

Honors College Funding

For CAL students that are also members of the Honors College, please click here for Honors College Research Support. 

What is Experiential Learning? 

Experiential learning applies knowledge and skills in real-world settings, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-awareness. It emphasizes reflection and communication, helping students connect their experiences to personal, academic, and professional growth.

What is EL in CAL? 

All CAL students must complete 3 credits of experiential learning through internships, study abroad/away, service learning, research or creative projects, or honors theses. Activities must be approved by the College and completed with a grade of P, S, or 2.0 or higher.

How can Research Fulfill this Requirement?

Research fulfills the requirement when it is faculty-directed, rigorous, and part of an approved course or independent study. It must total 3 credits and include reflective components linking the experience to academic and career goals. Speak to your professor or your advisor about the possibility of fulfilling your EL requirement with research.

More Information: Click here for the Experiential Learning Website