The 2026 Research and Scholarship Conference
will be held March 25-26, 2026

The 28th Annual Undergraduate Exposition, the 34th Annual Graduate Research Symposium, and the 21st Annual Faculty Scholarship Celebration’s combined event returns through the Research and Scholarship Conference (RASC)

Western Carolina University’s annual Research and Scholarship Conference (RASC) will be held on Wednesday, March 25th, and Thursday, March 26th. An event that is already inclusive of all disciplines, students, faculty, and staff will expand its scope even further this year. For the first time, faculty will be included in the oral and poster presentations, performances, and fine arts exhibits. 

Featured Presentations

Sept. 27 marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating storm that tore through Western North Carolina. The Catamount community stepped up then and continues to help in the rebuilding process today. RASC will feature presentations on research done in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and how WCU faculty and students’ scholarly endeavors have benefited the community and the region.

Explore Featured Research

Keynote Event Features WCU Faculty Panel

At 5 p.m., the arena will host this year’s keynote event, a faculty panel titled “Helene’s Lessons: Interdisciplinary Research By WCU Faculty.” Moderated by Associate Provost of Academic Affairs Carmen Huffman, the panel will feature five WCU professors: Katie Schneider and Diane Styers of Geosciences and Natural Resources, Andy Hansen and Sarah Jackson of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Chase Harless of Social Work.  Their discussion will cover a broad range of post‑Helene research, including flood mapping, law enforcement practices, community response, and the storm’s long-term mental health effects on families in Western North Carolina.   

Research and Scholarship Conference announces 2026 schedule of events

Wednesday’s events will begin with oral presentations and performances in the A.K. Hinds University Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty presenters.  The afternoon program will shift to the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center.

2026 Schedule At A Glance

On Wednesday, March 25th, experience a full day of scholarly engagement, including oral and poster presentations, and fine arts exhibits. The day concludes with a keynote address and celebratory reception sponsored by the Office of the Provost.   

  • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Undergraduate, Graduate, and Faculty Oral Presentations: A.K. Hinds University Center, Performances: Coulter Recital Hall  
  • 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Keynote Address, Ramsey Center Arena    
  • 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Undergraduate, Graduate, and Faculty Poster Presentations, Fine Arts Exhibits, and the Celebration Reception, Ramsey Center Concourse   

On Thursday, March 26th, the annual Faculty Scholarship Celebration will highlight faculty research and scholarship accomplishments, including the Faculty 3MR Competition and recognition of major award recipients. 

  • 11:00 am – 1:30 pm, A.K. Hinds University Center Grand Room 
    • The 5th Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research (3MR) Competition  
    • Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon (reservation-only event)   
    • Awards Presentation (Million Dollar Circle, Hunter Scholar, Provost’s Scholarship Development Award)