Advancing Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
The AURCA program connects undergraduate students with exciting and invaluable research and creative opportunities under the dedicated mentorship of our outstanding CAS faculty.
How do you say AURCA...?
We think AURCA sounds like "orca" but you can say it however you would like!
About AURCA
Established in 2021, AURCA offers mentored research opportunities and professional development training for undergraduates throughout the academic year. AURCA students engage in high-caliber research and creative projects with faculty mentors throughout the College of Arts and Sciences. The AURCA program expands opportunities for research and creative experiences by financially supporting work-study eligible students in research positions. Participating in undergraduate research results in positive outcomes such as increasing retention in the chosen discipline, boosting graduation rates, clarifying career goals, and advancing students to graduate and professional programs. CAS is proud to foster the scholarly research and creative activity of OSU undergraduates by offering the AURCA program.
We are thankful that we could be part of the pilot AURCA program. Our student has been learning so much! We've created a working group that is rewarding for all of us.
Application Period for 2023-2024
Faculty application
We are now accepting project applications for the upcoming year!
- Project applications for 2023-2024 are now closed.
- Applications for 2024-2025 will open in March 2024.
- Additional mentor information
Student application
The AURCA student application for the upcoming academic year opens in mid-summer.
- Stay tuned for the opening of AURCA student applications.
- Additional student information
AURCA Inspiration
The AURCA program is modeled on similar programs including UROP at the University of Michigan and OSCAR at George Mason University. We appreciate their guidance.