Getting Involved in Student-Faculty Research and Creative Activity

A “Mark of Excellence” of UW-Eau Claire is its emphasis on student participation in research, scholarlship, and creative activity. In 1988, UW-Eau Claire was named the Center of Excellence for Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Collaboration within the UW System. Put plainly, this means we are the center of undergraduate research in Wisconsin. UW-Eau Claire provides opportunities to undergraduates to engage in research and creative inquiry that larger universities give primarily to their graduate students.

Working on a scholarly research/creative project with a faculty member is an opportunity for you to go beyond learning in the classroom and become actively involved in creating knowledge and new meaning within the discipline. You get to do it instead of just learning about it. Not only that, it is typically challenging, fun, and very satisfying. You will learn things you don’t learn in a classroom. Support for student research and creative activities is a fundamental part of ORSP's mission. In addition to sponsoring the Celebration of Excellence in Research and Creative Activity (CERCA), ORSP provides funding for faculty-student research/creative activity collaborations and student travel to present at conferences. 

Talk to your professors about opportunities to collaborate on a research/creative project; reach out to the department chair to learn more about opportunities for research/creative activity in your major; or email orsp@uwec.edu for additional guidance.

Research Fellowships, Internships, and Scholarships

Research fellowships, scholarships, and internship programs are available to students in all majors. Enrich your educational experience and career opportunities (not to mention your budget) by participating in a summer research experience or internship or by receiving an academic-year fellowship. Search the following 3 databases to find fellowships, scholarships, internships, and other awards:

• UWEC’s fellowships and awards database on the Honors SharePoint site
• Arizona State University’s national scholarship and fellowships database
• University of Missouri’s global and national fellowships database

Interested in Applying to Graduate School?

The Council on Undergraduate Research hosts a Registry of Undergraduate Researchers. This registry facilitates matchmaking between undergraduates who have research experience and a desire to pursue an advanced degree and graduate schools seeking high quality students who are well prepared for research. All you need to do is fill out a simple curriculum vitae form and graduate schools will be informed of your interest.