Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA)

    1. Problem Area: Project Description
      • Too little detail (much fewer words than the maximum allowed).
      • Identical submissions from students working on the same project (note that PIs are permitted to submit the same wording in their sections when serving as the PI for multiple URCAs).
      • The description isn’t scholarly (e.g., no references are included).
      • No (or vague) description of the methodology of the research.
      • There aren’t results or hypothesized results (if you don’t have results yet for a Travel URCA, explain your timetable for having results before the conference).
      • It is not clear if the project makes a unique contribution to the field.
      • The writing is too technical; it is not comprehensible to a general audience.
    2. Problem Area: Budget
      • Not itemized as specifically as reviewers like
      • Not added up
      • Obvious errors (e.g., “gas” instead of mileage; incorrect per diem amounts)
    3. Problem Area: Writing errors
      • Grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.  Consider visiting the KSU Writing Center for assistance.
    4. Problem Area(s): The PI Sections
      • Written by the student, not the PI
      • Very short or vague
  • Typically, funding URCAs have the following characteristics: 

    • Clear, engaging, scholarly, well written description of the proposed research project, including how this research will make a unique contribution to the literature in this area.
    • The results of the study are described in the project description, including implications or applications (in other words, why this research is important).
    • Budget is itemized, totaled, and correct.
    • The PI has indicated his/her interest and enthusiasm for mentoring students in general.
    • The PI has indicated that students will learn a great deal from this project (e.g., making academic posters, networking, analyzing data, writing, public speaking, etc.).
  • The Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research will review applications with input from faculty experts.  URCA submissions are evaluated according to the following criteria:

    • Quality of writing
    • Scholarly merit
    • Impact on undergraduate researcher
    • PI track record (or potential track record for new PIs)
    • Consideration will be given to feedback from end-of-year reports received by the Office of Undergraduate Research
    • Consideration will be given to use of prior awarded funds and their deliverables from the Office of Undergraduate Research
  • Because the funding comes from the Office of Undergraduate Research, the funding can only cover undergraduate students. Contact The Graduate College for information on graduate student research funding.
  • Sometimes departments and colleges can help support student research; ask your PI, department chair, and/or dean for more details. In addition, several divisions in the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) offer funding - more information. Finally, there are discipline-specific organizations that sometimes offer student funding; check with your PI for more information.
  • The application should be initiated by the student applicant. Once completed, the PI section will be auto-routed for completion.

    PI's are requested to complete their section within seven (7) days of notification.

  • Students who wish travel support must show they have been accepted to make a formal presentation as an individual (team or group presentations are not supported).

    **Please note: URCA funding cannot be used to support NCUR travel