- inEKU
- Student Research & Creative Endeavors
SRCE
Student Research & Creative Endeavors
The purpose of the URCE is to provide opportunities for faculty-student mentorships for the purpose of deep learning, professional skill development, and contributing to the worldwide knowledge base.
Presentation & Publication Opportunities
Research Information Tools
News & Events
Funding Opportunities
There are a variety of funding resources for undergraduate research and creative projects. The availability of these resources are based on a competitive basis with strict deadlines and selection criteria. For more details about the funding opportunities available for undergraduates please check out the different options:
Internal Funding Opportunities
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION
These guidelines are designed to assist undergraduate students at Eastern Kentucky University who wish to present their research and creative projects at regional, national, or international conferences. These awards are given for scholarly presentations at professional conferences, rather than student conferences. Awards will also be granted for artistic performances or exhibitions at professional venues.
Review Committee
- The Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (URCE) Committee shall be responsible for reviewing applications for student travel reimbursement awards administered.
- The composition of the committee and the procedures for the election, appointment, and replacement of its members are based on those appointed by the Dean of the graduate school and the SRCE Director.
- A committee member shall recuse himself/herself when an application for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Travel Award has been submitted by her/his mentored student, or her/his immediate family member.
Application Process for Presenting at Professional Conferences
- Work with a mentor to complete a project and find appropriate professional conferences.
- If the presentation is accepted at a conference, complete the Travel Award application found at bottom of this page and submit the application and the acceptance letter from the conference organizers to the URCE Director. The application must be accompanied with an official notice that the presentation has been accepted, and a letter of support from the faculty mentor.
- Submitted applications will be reviewed and up to ten candidates per year will be chosen. Applicants will be notified of the decision soon after the deadline. Applicants receiving the travel award may register for the conference and make travel and lodging arrangements. These expenses should be charged to the department of the student’s major, rather than by the student. The student should discuss this with the chair of the department before making any purchases.
- The student and mentor should review the EKU Travel: Domestic & International Guides
- At least one week prior to departure, the student must complete a Request for Out-of-State Travel Application and submit that to the Accounting Office.
- The student must attend and present at the conference, retain any receipts from the conference registration, travel, parking and lodging. The student must also retain her/his name badge from the conference.
- The student will submit the documentation of expenses, receipts and name badge to their major department’s administrative assistant, as well as a completed travel expense voucher (see Travel: Domestic & International Guides). Student must complete the most up-to-date voucher form.
- The administrative assistant of the department will then scan and email the receipts, conference badge, and completed travel expense voucher to the URCE Director.
- The URCE Director will then complete and submit an Account Transfer Form to reimburse the student’s major department.
Application Requirements
- All full-time and part-time undergraduate students are welcome to apply for the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Travel Award that are presenting at regional, national, or international professional conferences.
- Subject to availability of funds, awards will normally be made ten times each academic year in the amount of up to $500, twice in the fall semester, twice in the spring semester, and once in the summer semesters.
- Proposals may be submitted at any time, but to ensure consideration for fall awards, proposals must be submitted by November 1st. To ensure consideration for spring awards, proposals must be submitted by February 15. To ensure consideration for summer awards, proposals must be submitted by June 15.
- Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Travel Award Proposals must be submitted to the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Director (contact information located at the bottom of this page). For an application to be considered, all information required in the application form must be provided. Documentation of the presentation/exhibition should be included (e.g. letter of acceptance for a presentation, copy of appropriate section of the official program or exhibit catalog, venue, dates, and receipts for travel and stay).
- For conferences that occur late in the semester, after the deadline, it is possible that students may apply for the Travel Award the following semester.
- It is expected that proposals will be reviewed and supported by the student’s mentor. Proposals not supported by the student’s mentor may still be considered, depending on the circumstances. Mentors must provide a written statement in support of the student’s project.
- Proposals must state purpose, estimated amount, and dates for the requested funding and have all documentation attached to the form.
- Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Travel Award funds must be used in the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) in which the award is made. Requests for reimbursements should be submitted as soon as the activity is completed.
- Students with activities occurring after July 1 but before awards are made for the new fiscal year may apply for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Travel Award in the fall semester.
- The amount of the awards will vary depending on factors such as funds available, number of proposals received, and the type of conference/venue attended.
- Preference will be given to students with first authorship, and based on the scope of the conference (e.g., national conference presentations will be deemed higher in quality than regional conference presentations).
Changes in Guidelines
- Proposed changes in the guidelines may be submitted to the URCE Director.
- Proposed changes in the guidelines must be approved by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Committee prior to the beginning of the academic year in which they are to take effect.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION
These guidelines are designed to assist undergraduate students at Eastern Kentucky University who will be conducting their own research with the goal of showcasing their research at a local, state, or national level and have encountered financial obstacles in beginning this research.
Review Committee
- The Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Committee shall be responsible for reviewing applications for Student Research Supplies Award administered by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors division.
- The composition of the committee and the procedures for the election, appointment, and replacement of its members are based on those appointed by the Dean of the graduate school and the SRCE Director.
- A committee member shall recuse himself/herself when an application for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Student Research Supplies Award has been submitted by her/his mentored student, or her/his immediate family member.
Application Process for obtaining the Student Research Supplies Award
- Work with a mentor to layout the ground work and get a research project based on your scholarly work started.
- Submit the application describing your intended research project.
- Submitted applications will be reviewed and ten candidates per year will be chosen. Applicants will be notified of the decision soon after the deadline.
- The student must retain any receipts from the purchase of their research supplies up to $250.00.
- The student will submit the documentation of expenses and receipts to the coordinator of the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors, who will send the documentation to the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity administrative assistant.
- After processing the expenses, funds will be transferred to the student’s home department to be administered to the student for acquisition or reimbursement based on that department’s operations.
Application Requirements
- All full-time and part-time undergraduate students are welcome to apply for the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Student Research Supplies Award.
- Subject to availability of funds, awards will normally be made ten times each academic year in the amount of $100 for each award, five awards in the fall semester and five awards in the spring semester.
- Proposals may be submitted at any time, but to ensure consideration for fall awards, proposals must be submitted by November 1st. To ensure consideration for spring awards, proposals must be submitted by February 15.
- Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Student Research Supplies Award Proposals must be submitted to the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors coordinator, using the application form (see below for the link).
- For an application to be considered, all information required in the application form must be provided.
- It is expected that proposals will be reviewed and supported by the student’s mentor. Proposals not supported by the student’s mentor may still be considered, depending on the circumstances. Mentors must provide a written statement in support of the student’s project.
- Proposals must state purpose, estimated amount, and supplies needed for the requested funding and have all documentation attached to the form.
- Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Student Research Supplies Award funds must be used in the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) in which the award is made. Requests for reimbursements should be submitted as soon as the activity is completed.
- Students with activities occurring after July 1 but before awards are made for the new fiscal year may apply for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Student Research Supplies Award in the fall semester.
- In normal circumstances, each student may receive only one retroactively per year.
Changes in Guidelines
- Proposed changes in the guidelines may be submitted to the Coordinator of Undergraduate research and Creative Endeavors.
- Proposed changes in the guidelines must be approved by the Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors Committee prior to the beginning of the academic year in which they are to take effect.
The Department of Student Research and Creative Endeavors is offering a poster grant to help students wanting to present research at conferences or showcases.
Applications are to be submitted at least 4 weeks before the presentation is scheduled in order for the department to be able to process and fulfill the submitted requests.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION
These guidelines are designed to assist undergraduate students at Eastern Kentucky University who wish to gain meaningful research experience by serving as a Research Assistant under the direction of a faculty mentor. This award provides hourly pay set at the discretion of the mentee and mentor of $10-15 an hour for up to $1,000 for the award to support students contributing to faculty-mentored research or creative projects, with the goal of enhancing student learning and preparing for presentations and publications at state, national, and international levels.
Review Committee
- The Student Research and Creative Endeavors (SRCE) Committee shall be responsible for reviewing applications for the Research Assistant Award administered by the Student Research and Creative Endeavors division.
- The composition of the committee and the procedures for the election, appointment, and replacement of its members are based on those appointed by the Noel Studio director.
- A committee member shall recuse themselves when an application for a Student Award has been submitted by their mentored student, if there is a conflict of interest (e.g., mentor is a collaborator in the research), or if their immediate family member is applying.
Application Process for Obtaining the Student Research Assistant Award
- Students must work with a faculty mentor to establish a research role and responsibilities.
- Submit the application describing the research project and the specific tasks the student will complete as a Research Assistant.
- Submitted applications will be reviewed, and up to five candidates per year will be selected. Applicants will be notified of the decision soon after the deadline.
- Students will be hired as hourly student employees, paid up to $1,000 in total.
- Hours must be logged and verified by the faculty mentor, and payments will be processed through EKU’s student employment system.
Application Requirements
- All full-time and part-time undergraduate students are welcome to apply for the Student Research and Creative Endeavors Student Research Assistant Award.
- Subject to availability of funds, awards will normally be made five times each academic year.
- Proposals may be submitted at any time, but to ensure consideration for fall awards, proposals must be submitted by November 1st . To ensure consideration for spring awards, proposals must be submitted by March 15th.
- Applications must be submitted to the Student Research and Creative Endeavors website, utilizing the appropriate web form.
- For an application to be considered, all required information must be provided, including a mentor support statement outlining the research tasks and mentorship plan.
- Proposals must include a brief description of the project, expected outcomes, and a proposed number of hours for the student to work (not exceeding the $1,000 limit).
- Funds must be used in the fiscal year (July 1–June 30) in which the award is made. Hours worked after June 30 cannot be carried forward into the next year’s allocation.
- Each student may receive only one Research Assistant Award per year.
Apply for the SRCE Research Assistant Award
Application forms and detailed instructions are available through the Student Research and Creative Endeavors Office.
Changes in Guidelines
- Proposed changes in the guidelines may be submitted to the Coordinator of Student Research and Creative Endeavors.
- Proposed changes must be approved by the Student Research and Creative Endeavors Committee prior to the beginning of the academic year in which they are to take effect.
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION
hese guidelines are designed to assist graduate students at Eastern Kentucky University who are completing a thesis or dissertation and need financial assistance to offset costs directly related to their research. This award provides reimbursement up to $350 for eligible expenses, with the goal of supporting high-quality scholarship and helping students successfully complete their degree requirements.
Review Committee
- The Student Research and Creative Endeavors (SRCE) Committee shall be responsible for reviewing applications for the Thesis and Dissertation Grant administered by the Student Research and Creative Endeavors division.
- The composition of the committee and the procedures for the election, appointment, and replacement of its members are based on those appointed by the director of Student Research and Creative Endeavors and the Dean of the Graduate School.
- A committee member shall recuse themselves when an application has been submitted by their mentored student, if there is a conflict of interest (e.g., mentor is a collaborator in the research), or if their immediate family member is applying.
Application Process for Obtaining the Thesis and Dissertation Grant
- Work with a faculty mentor or committee chair to identify the specific needs and costs associated with thesis or dissertation completion.
- Submit the application describing the project, its significance, and the expected costs for which funding is being requested.
- Submitted applications will be reviewed, and selected applicants will be notified of decisions soon after the deadline.
- Students must retain receipts for all approved expenses (e.g., printing, binding, specialized software, research-related supplies, data access).
- Reimbursement will be processed after submission of receipts and documentation to the Student Research and Creative Endeavors coordinator.
Application Requirements
- All students enrolled in thesis or dissertation work at EKU are eligible to apply for the Thesis and Dissertation Grant.
- Subject to availability of funds, awards will normally be made approximately ten times each academic year.
- Proposals may be submitted at any time, but to ensure consideration for fall awards, proposals must be submitted by November 1st. To ensure consideration for spring awards, proposals must be submitted by March 15th.
- Applications must be submitted to the Student Research and Creative Endeavors coordinator, using the official application form.
- Applications must include:
- A brief description of the thesis/dissertation project.
- A detailed budget of requested expenses (up to $350).
- A support letter from the student’s faculty mentor or committee chair.
- Funds must be used in the fiscal year (July 1–June 30) in which the award is made. Requests for reimbursement should be submitted as soon as the expenses are incurred.
- In normal circumstances, each student may receive only one Thesis and Dissertation Grant during their academic career at EKU.
Apply for the SRCE Thesis and Dissertation Grant
Application forms and detailed instructions are available through the Student Research and Creative Endeavors Office.
Changes in Guidelines
- Proposed changes in the guidelines may be submitted to the Coordinator of Student Research and Creative Endeavors.
- Proposed changes must be approved by the Student Research and Creative Endeavors Committee prior to the beginning of the academic year in which they are to take effect.
External Funding Opportunities
Check out these opportunities to get funded through the KY Society of Natural History and EKU!
- The Kentucky Society for Natural History provides funds for students engaged in natural history and biodiversity research in Kentucky. Learn more about application guidelines. Review of applications and awarding of funds will move quickly in the immediate weeks following the submission deadline.
- The EKU Division of Natural Areas provides funds for students to support their scholarly activities (research, all forms of art, and other non-research projects) involving EKU’s Natural Areas.
- The Student-Grant-in-Aid Program (graduate and undergraduate students from any institution) provides funding for proposed/ongoing work.
- The Division’s Paul John Kalisz Conservation Award (EKU undergraduates only) is intended to recognize undergraduate students from any major whose scholarly projects focus on conservation of forest ecosystems, amphibians, reptiles, or carnivores. In addition to research, all forms of art and other non-research projects with a focus on conservation, wildlife, or preservation of natural resources are eligible. This award of $500 is to recognize outstanding creative work that has been completed or that is being proposed. Although the award can be used to fund your effort, it is intended as an award outright. A Student-Grant-in-Aid Program proposal requesting funding for the project (up to an additional $500) can be submitted simultaneously.
The Social Science Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is offering a limited number of travel grants, up to $200 each. Award recipients are required to acknowledge CUR for support of their travel in their talk or poster. After the meeting, a brief report about the experience is expected. Minority students are encouraged to apply. Student’s home institution must match the $200 CUR travel grant.
GCSAA
GCSAA believes in investing in the future of the profession. To ensure this, GCSAA’s philanthropic arm, the Environmental Institute for Golf, administers a number of different scholarships for students pursuing careers in the golf course industry, future turfgrass researchers and educators, children and grandchildren of GCSAA members, and foreign students studying in the United States. More information on each opportunity is available below. Contact Mischia Wright, associate director, development, at 800-472-7878 ext. 4445, if you have any questions.
- Par Aide’s Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grant Program
For GCSAA members’ high school graduating seniors
March 15 deadline - GCSAA Legacy Awards
For GCSAA members’ children and grandchildren
April 15 deadline - GCSAA Scholars Competition
For undergraduates in turf management
June 1 deadline - Allan Maccurrach Jr. Award
For undergraduates in turf management
June 1 deadline - Dr. James Watson Fellowship Program
For future educators and researchers
Oct. 1 deadline
For citizens of Spain studying turfgrass management in the U.S.
The GPGCSA Scholarship Program
The Goal of the Greater Pittsburgh Golf Course Superintendents Associations Scholarship Program is to Support Future Golf Course Superintendents in Their Educational Needs
Values & Goals
Our values include Intellectual Vitality, Professional Growth, and Collaboration & Accountability. The URCE 2021-2025 Strategic Plan was developed along with the other divisions of the Noel Studio and in conjunction with the University’s Strategic Plan.
- Strategic Goal #1: Provide opportunities for foundational learning in Research and Communication
- Strategic Goal #2: Design activities that stimulate the application and transfer of Research concepts
- Strategic Goal #3: Develop resources and services that foster the articulation of learned knowledge
- Strategic Goal #4: Engage EKU’s Service Region through impactful partnerships and services
Guides & Resources
Contact Information
Student Research & Creative Endeavors
Jones Building 414
CPO Coates 20
859-622-1890
studentresearch@eku.edu