The 2027 Research and Scholarship Conference
will be held March 17-18, 2027
The 29th Annual Undergraduate Exposition, the 35th Annual Graduate Research Symposium, and the 22nd 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 17th, and Thursday, March 18th. This event is for all disciplines from across all colleges. Undergraduate and Graduate students, faculty, and staff may register to present their research through oral and poster presentations, performances, and fine arts exhibits.
Featured Presentations
TBA
Keynote Event Feature
TBA
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.
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.
2026 WCU Research and Scholarship Conference introduces new faculty involvement, highlights Hurricane Helene research
Western Carolina University’s annual Research and Scholarship Conference is fast approaching.
This year’s event will be the largest ever, with the Research Exposition and Symposium featuring over 200 presentations, spanning undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty.
2027 Schedule At A Glance
On Wednesday, March 17th, 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 18th, 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 6th 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)