Special Programs & More

Events, workshops, and special program opportunities

Upcoming Events & Workshops

Research and Scholarship Conference (RASC) 2026 – Registration Now Open!

The 28th Annual Undergraduate Exposition, the 34th Annual Graduate Research Symposium, and the Annual Faculty Scholarship Celebration’s combined event returns through the Research and Scholarship Conference (RASC)

The Research and Scholarship Conference returns March 25-26, 2026 with in-person showcases of student and faculty research, scholarship, and creative inquiry. Join us for a full day of engagement featuring:

  • Oral and Poster Presentations
  • Fine Arts Exhibits and Performances
  • Keynote Address
  • Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk (3MR) Competition
  • Celebration Receptions and Awards

New This Year: Faculty are invited to present alongside students on March 25. Plus, we’ll feature research related to Hurricane Helene in dedicated sessions.

Important Deadlines:

  • Student & Faculty Presentation Registration: Feb. 16, 2026
  • Faculty Scholarship Celebration Submissions: Feb. 1, 2026
  • Hunter Scholar Award Applications: Jan. 25, 2026
  • Luncheon RSVP: Mar. 1, 2026

Event Highlights:

  • March 25: Full day of presentations, keynote, and reception
  • March 26: Faculty Scholarship Celebration & 3MR Finals

Visit research.wcu.edu/rasc for details and registration links or contact Suzanne Melton at scmelton@wcu.edu for more information.

Special Programming: Internal Funding Support

Provost Scholarship Development Award (PSDA)

Internal seed money to support external proposals

Applications accepted fall and spring

Funding period is May 1, 2026 – May 1, 2027

Faculty Research Mentoring Program (FaRM)

Supports faculty to faculty grantsmanship mentoring

Mentor/Mentee Teams develop and submit a grant proposal

Share a $2k stipend for successful submission

Presentations

Missed a presentation? Navigate our archived presentations!

research.wcu.edu

Office of Research

Undergraduate Research

Graduate School