Undergraduate Research and Creative Arts in the College of Arts & Letters
An idea that makes you go, ‘What if?’ A question that keeps you up at night. Undergraduate research in the arts and humanities begins with your curiosity. By working with faculty mentors, investigating questions that matter, and creating work that inspires, students make vital contributions to the ongoing conversations within their disciplines.
What forms can it take? Course-based research, original performances, creative writing, quantitative or qualitative research, design projects, community-based storytelling, digital humanities projects, or any activity that bring new insights to light.
Your Work Has Value.
CAL-URCA Stories
We’re here to celebrate the incredible research and creative work produced by CAL majors. Your stories will showcase the impact and importance of CAL-URCA, shattering the myth that research belongs only to STEM fields. By sharing these stories, we aim to inspire others, recognize the extraordinary work of our students, and highlight the value of the mentorship that makes it possible.
Got a CAL-URCA story? Faculty – do you want to boast about a great student research project? Students – Want to recognize your awesome mentor?
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
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
The CAL-URCA Team
CAL Director of Undergraduate Research
mcnishde@msu.edu
Deric is an associate professor in the Department of Theatre and director of the graduate acting program. He has had many incredible experiences working with undergraduate research assistants during his 11 years at Michigan State University. He’s passionate about the transformative impact of undergraduate research and creative arts on both students and faculty.
Lexi Lake
Intern
Lexi Lake is a soon-to-be graduating senior spending her final moments at Michigan State University working on super cool projects like CAL URCA with her coworker Abbi and supervisor Deric. She’s majoring in Interdisciplinary Humanities with cognates in Graphic Design, Experience Architecture, and Professional & Public Writing. Postgraduation, she’d love to work in motorsports or just regular sports.
Abbi Gabli
Intern
Abbi Gabli is a sophomore at Michigan State University whos been working on this cool project with her coworker Lexi and supervisor Deric. She’s double majoring in Professional & Public Writing and Public Relations. She’s looking to gain experience in all realms of communication through her time in undergrad.