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National Conference on Undergraduate Research

Western Carolina University has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate research. WCU Students have participated in disseminating their research and scholarship at this national conference for over a decade. 

Alma Rodriquez - NCUR Student

Alma Rodriguez, an NCUR student

National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)

Each year, Western Carolina University supports a limited number of students in applying for and attending the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR).  Students accepted to NCUR have the opportunity to present their undergraduate research along with peers from across disciplines. Since 1987, NCUR has been a flagship conference for undergraduate researchers to share, celebrate, and promote their research achievements. 

NCUR, the National Conference of Undergraduate Research, is the annual national conference hosted by the Council of Undergraduate Research for student research across all disciplines. This year’s conference will be held in-person at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA, April 7 – 11, 2024 (this includes travel dates).  

Key Dates:  

  • WCU Abstract Submission Portal opens August 22, 2023 
  • WCU Abstract Submission Portal closes September 22, 2023 
  • WCU Abstract Selection Notifications sent October 20, 2023 
  • NCUR Abstracts due November 22, 2023 
  • NCUR Acceptance Notifications sent January 11, 2024 
  • NCUR Registration due January 31, 2024 
  • NCUR 2024 April 7 – 11, 2024 

Being accepted and attending NCUR is a unique opportunity for you to disseminate and celebrate your academic achievements. NCUR takes abstract submissions from across a variety of disciplines. Being accepted to present your work is a high honor, as NCUR is the largest conference on undergraduate research in the nation.

 The WCU abstract submissions for the selection process are due September 22, 2023.  Students will be notified of the outcome, and if selected, students must submit an abstract to NCUR by their deadline of November 22, 2023 (Further details on the NCUR abstract submission, acceptance, and registration processes will be shared in the WCU abstract acceptance letter.)

Students will need the support and acknowledgement of their faculty sponsor/mentor to be eilgible to apply. (An acknowledgement of expectations survey will be sent to the faculty sponsor/mentor)

Faculty sponsors/mentors are expected to: 

    1. take an active role in helping the student to plan, prepare, and practice their oral presentation, 
    2. share knowledge and skills, and 
    3. assist the student in seeking opportunities to present their research beyond NCUR. 

WCU ABSTRACT SUBMISSION PORTAL

The Office of Research Administration and the Brinson Honors College will coordinate and support a select number of students with registration, hotel, and travel costs to attend this conference in California.

  • Participation in NCUR must be coordinated by the Office of Research Administration and the Brinson Honors College, and students participating in NCUR must travel with the WCU group
  • Only students who are first authors as oral presenters are eligible to apply.
  • WCU is not able to support poster presentations at this year’s meeting of NCUR.
  • The student must be an undergraduate student.
  • Students attending NCUR are expected to attend the entire conference.
  • Students attending NCUR are required to attend the Research and Scholarship Conference (RASC). 
  • If a faculty member wishes to attend the conference, they must contact Suzanne Melton to discuss details. 

If you have questions or need more information, contact the Research Programs Coordinator, Suzanne Melton, at scmelton@wcu.edu, or call 828-227-2575.

 

There are many opportunities for students to disseminate their research findings and creative inquiry through various platforms and presentation formats that include posters, performances, exhibitions, and presentations. Here are a few to consider: 

  • SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF), October 13-14, 2023 at Watford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. More information
  • WCU's Research and Scholarship Conference (RASC) held on campus on March 20-21, 2024. 
  • Southern Regional Honors Conference (SRHC), April 4-6, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. More information
  • Academic Project Grants awards (APGs) - these awards can be used for travel support to disseminate your resaerch at local, regional, and national conferences. Awards can also be used for equipment and supplies to complete your research.

 

 

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