Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) Committee

1.         Committee Members:

Chair – Larry Spurgeon, Business

Brien Bolin, LAS Social Sciences

Curt Friehs, University Libraries

Kim McDowell, Education

Roy Myose, Engineering

Paul Rillema, Professor, LAS Math/Natural Sciences

Barbara Smith, Health Professions

Peter Zoller, LAS Humanities

2.         Committee Meeting Schedule: The committee meets on an as-needed basis.  This year, three committee meetings were held, and much of the business was handled by email.

3.         Committee Activities: The purpose of the committee is to plan and support a competition for undergraduate students each April.  This event will be held on April 27, 2007 at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex in conjunction with the graduate research competition.  The students make oral presentations or display posters for their research.  The committee received funding from the Office of Research Administration, Academic Affairs, and the deans of Engineering, Education, LAS, and the University Libraries.  The committee members participate as judges and moderators for the event.  Other activities include planning the details of the event and trying to get the word out to faculty and students to encourage participation.

4.         Misc. Issues: SGA had contributed $1,000 in past years but declined to do so this year primarily because it sees this event as an “academic” activity, which should be funded by academic affairs, rather than a “student activity.”  We were able to replace those funds through an increased contribution from Academic Affairs and a contribution from the Engineering Dean.  The principal challenge for this event is the decline in student participation.  Each year fewer students participate.  This is in spite of the fact that many undergraduate students on campus already do research projects, and cash awards are given to the top two presenters in several categories.  This year an email was sent to faculty and all students, with details of the event and the forms to apply.  The committee needs to consider additional methods to enhance participation.