Navigating the UCR Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Symposium: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The University of California, Riverside (UCR) hosts an annual Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Symposium, a platform for undergraduate students from all disciplines to share their research and creative endeavors with the university community and beyond. Since its inception in 2006, the symposium has provided transformative opportunities for student success, fostering innovation and collaboration. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the symposium, its various presentation formats, submission guidelines, and related programs, drawing upon information provided to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Symposium Overview
The UCR Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Symposium is an integral part of the Division of Undergraduate Education. It provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to showcase their work and engage with the broader academic community. Students can present their research and creative activities through various formats, including oral presentations, poster sessions, art exhibits, performances, and electronic media.
Presentation Formats
The symposium offers several presentation formats to accommodate diverse research and creative projects:
Emerging Research Presentations
These are virtual presentations that showcase research projects that are still in progress but hold significant potential for the research community. This format allows students to share their preliminary findings and receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty.
Completed Research Presentations
These are virtual presentations based on fully developed empirical research studies. This format is suitable for students who have completed their research and are ready to present their findings in a comprehensive manner.
Read also: Comprehensive Symposium Guide
Creative Activities and Performances
These are virtual oral presentations that showcase the final product of scholarly creative work. This category includes submissions from various disciplines such as Dance, Art, Music, Creative Writing, Media and Cultural Studies, and Theatre, Film, and Digital Production. Students discuss the research and inspiration behind their creative projects.
Poster Presentations
These are in-person presentations that concisely communicate research using graphics, images, and figures with minimal text. This format is ideal for visually presenting data and key findings in an accessible manner. Students who wish to present in-person must select "Poster" when they submit their abstract.
Submission Guidelines
To participate in the symposium, students must adhere to the following submission guidelines:
Abstract Submission
The abstract submission process is a crucial step in participating in the symposium. Due to system updates, the Symposium Application portal is now located behind the campus firewall.
Faculty Mentor Approval
All submissions must be approved by the student researcher's faculty mentor(s) to be considered complete. It is highly recommended that students obtain verbal approval from their mentors before submitting their work online. The faculty mentor has the option to approve, hold the article for edits, or not approve the submission. The student will be notified of the mentor's decision and is responsible for following up with the mentor if the submission is not approved. Only those submissions approved by faculty mentors will proceed to the editorial evaluation process.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to URS
Abstract Content
When preparing the abstract, students should pay close attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The abstract should clearly and concisely describe the research or creative project, its objectives, methodology, and key findings or outcomes. Students should also include the names of any secondary presenters or contributing members.
Additional Programs and Opportunities
NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides funding for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs. Faculty can apply for funding to support a cohort of undergraduate students in research projects designed specifically for the NSF REU program (an REU Site) or can apply for additional funding to involve undergraduate students in a new or ongoing NSF-funded research project (an REU Supplement). Undergraduates can apply directly to REU Sites to participate in research projects across the United States and the world. REU-supported students receive stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing, meals, and travel.
UCR Undergraduate Research Journal
The UCR Undergraduate Research Journal is a campus journal housed in the Rivera Library Special Collections. Students are encouraged to review articles previously submitted and accepted to gain insights into the journal's standards and expectations. The submission of a paper to the Journal does not preclude the possibility of submitting similar work to an external journal, unless the external journal's submission or publication restrictions prohibit it.
MARC U*STAR Program
The Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) U*STAR Program at UCR provides research training and support for undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical and behavioral research. The program offers various opportunities for students to enhance their research skills and knowledge, including:
- Attending national or local scientific meetings and presenting posters or talks.
- Maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.1.
- Participating in a summer research experience at another university in the US.
The MARC Program also offers courses and workshops to help students develop their research and presentation skills, such as:
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to PURS
- NASC 189, Reading & Analysis of Scientific Literature and discussion of topics related to the responsible and ethical conduct of research (RCR).
- NASC 188, Introduction to Oral Presentations.
MARC Trainees also participate in regular meetings with the Program Director and Administrative Director, and present their research at a symposium held at the end of the summer program. Graduating MARC students are required to complete an exit interview with the Program Directors. All MARC students are encouraged to maintain contact with the MARC Program office after graduation from UC Riverside.
Key Considerations for Participants
- Adherence to Deadlines: Be mindful of all deadlines related to abstract submission and faculty mentor approval. Note that due to campus Wi-Fi Disruption the Abstract Submission has been extended to midnight on Sunday, Feb.
- Communication with Mentors: Maintain open and consistent communication with faculty mentors throughout the research and submission process.
- Quality of Presentation: Whether presenting virtually or in-person, ensure that the presentation is well-organized, visually appealing, and effectively communicates the key findings or creative outcomes.
- Ethical Conduct: Adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct in research and creative activities.
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