Our monthly newsletter aims to highlight upcoming news and opportunities for our campus stakeholders. We seek to inform, engage, and inspire through regular updates, features, and communications. 

Volume II Issue XII / 2026 June

Current News

Ask the Experts!

Do you have questions about proposal development, funding opportunity searches, sponsor requirements, or proposal timelines? We invite you to reach out to our team. No question is too small! We’re here to help you navigate the funding landscape and strengthen your proposals. Submit your questions, and let us support your next funding pursuit.

Don't Forget Your College Approvals!

Before submitting a proposal for internal review and approval, ensure that all required college-level approval forms have been completed and signed. Taking care of these approvals in advance helps prevent last-minute delays and keeps your proposal moving forward. Use the links below to access the required forms:

Build Strong Data Management & Sharing Plans with DMPTool

Need help developing a Data Management and Sharing Plan? DMPTool is a free online resource that guides researchers through the creation of sponsor-compliant plans using templates tailored to federal agency requirements. The tool also provides access to publicly shared plans, allowing you to explore real examples and identify best practices as you develop your own. Whether you’re preparing a proposal or updating an existing plan, DMPTool can help streamline the process and ensure alignment with sponsor expectations. Access the resource below to get started.

Post-Award Services Feedback

As we approach the end of the fiscal year, WCU’s Post-Award unit wants to hear from key stake holders across campus. Your feedback is crucial for WCU’s Post-Award unit to uphold its mission to provide the best support to all University staff engaged in sponsored projects or programs.

The form can be accessed by the following hyperlink: WCU Post-Award Services Feedback Survey – Fill out form

This survey should take ~5–7 minutes to complete. When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.

We appreciate your support as we strive to provide the best service possible. We look forward to reviewing your responses!

IRB Quick Links: Managing Your Study in InfoEd

Navigating next steps in the IRB process? Use the guidance below to ensure your submissions are completed correctly:

Responding to requested revisions:

Use this guide when the IRB has asked for changes to your submission

 

Making changes to an approved study:

Use this process to request updates after approval

Renewing or closing your study:

For full board studies requiring continuing review, or when your study is complete

 

If you’re unsure which pathway applies, reach out to our office—were happy to help ensure your submission is routed correctly.

For questions, contact: Billy Hutchings – Research Compliance Officer, at wshutchings@wcu.edu

Summer Travel – Export Control

As summer international travel increases, faculty and staff are reminded to consider export control and research security requirements prior to departure.

  • University-owned laptops, research data, proprietary information, encrypted software, and certain research materials may be subject to federal export control regulations

Most WCU personnel only encounter export control when traveling internationally. If you are planning to travel internationally, please review University Policy 100, complete the Policy 100 form with approval from your Department, and include your detailed itinerary.

Faculty and staff who plan to invite international visitors/scholars to visit our campus must obtain the Provost’s approval prior to the visit using the International Visitor Approval Form, which asks for a copy of the visitors itinerary and any technical data or university-owned equipment being shared with the visitor.

Travelers are encouraged to contact ORA before travel to discuss any potential export control considerations and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

For questions, contact: ORA Director Kloo Hansen, at kchansen@wcu.edu

Culminating Graduate Student Research Projects Defended in Spring 2026

The Graduate School would like to recognize thirty-seven students from the following programs who successfully defended culminating research projects during the Spring 2026 term and are now fully published in ProQuest. You can view their names and full project titles in the “Spring 2026 Thesis and Disquisition Project” presentation.

  • Biology M.S. (2)
  • Chemistry M.S. (2)
  • Educational Leadership Ed.D. (6)
  • English M.A. (4)
  • Experiential Outdoor Education M.S. (7)
  • Fine Arts M.F.A. (5)
  • History (3)
  • Psychology M.A. (6)
  • Specialist in School Psychology S.S.P. (2)

Undergraduate Student Research News

Mark your calendars for the SoCon Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF) 2026, happening October 9 – 10 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina!

Hosted by the Southern Conference (SoCon) Academic Exchange, SURF is a dynamic, multidisciplinary conference that brings together around 150 student presenters from all ten SoCon institutions. From the arts and humanities to STEM, students showcase their research and creative work in engaging, supportive environments.

 

Why participate?

  • Share your research or creative projects
  • Connect with peers across the SoCon
  • Gain presentation experience in welcoming, small-group settings
  • No registration fee
  • Most expenses covered upon acceptance
  • Meals provided during much of the conference
  • This is a fantastic opportunity—especially for students involved in summer research—to highlight your work and represent your institution.

Be on the lookout for the application this fall!

For questions, contact Suzanne Melton, Research Programs Coordinator, at scmelton@wcu.edu

ResearchCAT Magazine: Volume II

The Graduate School & Research has released its annual research magazine. The second volume summarizes the fiscal year 2025 annual report of the Office of Research Administration (ORA), showcasing the pursuit of research, scholarship, and creative activities, as well as extramural sponsorship and initiatives.

Special Programs & More on ResearchCAT

We are excited to announce a new addition to the site: Special Programs & More. This page is your go-to for upcoming events, workshops, presentations, and special programming opportunities. Explore what’s new and stay connected.

The ORA is now on LinkedIn!

We are excited to share that the Office of Research Administration has launched an official LinkedIn page. Follow us to stay informed about new funding opportunities, important announcements, and the latest updates from our office. Join our growing community and stay connected with everything happening at the ORA.

Follow ORA On Instagram!

The Office of Research Administration is on Instagram. Follow us!

Follow Undergraduate Research On Instagram!

Undergraduate Research is on Instagram. Follow us!

Announcing ResearchCAT Volume II

The second volume summarizes the fiscal year 2025 annual report of the Office of Research Administration (ORA) at Western Carolina University (WCU) in 2024-2025, showcasing the pursuit of research, scholarship, and creative activities, as well as extramural sponsorship and initiatives. 

Announcing ResearchCAT Volume I Issue I

This inaugural issue of ResearchCAT highlights the activity of the Office of Research Administration at Western Carolina University (WCU) in 2023-2024. It catalogs the pursuit of sponsorship for research, programs, and other scholarly works.

The Research Review Archives

Volume II Issue XII / 2026 June
Volume II Issue XI / 2026 May
Volume II Issue X / 2026 April
Volume II Issue IX / 2026 March
Volume II Issue VIII / 2026 February
Volume II Issue VII / 2026 January
Volume II Issue VI / 2025 December
Volume II Issue V / 2025 November
Volume II Issue IV / 2025 October
Volume II Issue III / 2025 September
Volume II Issue II / 2025 August
Volume II Issue 1 / 2025 July

research.wcu.edu