Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities (URSCA) Program

Commonwealth University's URSCA program participants are hired as student workers during the summer to pursue a substantial research question, contribute to a scholarly endeavor, or produce an artistic work under direct faculty mentorship.

Complete an URSCA Application

Half-time support ($240/week) or full-time support ($480/week) is available. Awards range from $1,440-$5,760, depending on the proposed project's timeline. Wages are disbursed via payroll on a bi-weekly basis for work on the proposed project. URSCA participants may also have the opportunity to attend select meetings, workshops, presentations, and forums. The culminating experience is a presentation at the Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Symposium, co-sponsored by Bucknell University, Commonwealth University, Susquehanna University, and Geisinger. Project proposals are reviewed and selected through a competitive process led by a university-wide faculty committee. If selected, students will be required to complete several forms, including background checks, to be hired. If any forms or background checks are not completed in a timely manner, students may be disqualified from participating. Students may apply for projects in one of two application categories:

  1. Research and Scholarship (RS): RS applications fit projects with field, laboratory, library, or records research in science (behavioral, life, physical, social), engineering, technology, math, and the humanities.
  2. Creative Activities (CA): CA applications are suited for projects that produce creative writing, art, or performance.

Students are encouraged to attend any one of the open URSCA Information Sessions listed below.

Session 1: Wednesday, January 31, 2024; 3:30–4:30 pm https://commonwealthu-edu.zoom.us/j/99685183421
Session 2: Thursday, February 8, 2024; 2:00–3:00 pm https://commonwealthu-edu.zoom.us/j/96403812922
Session 3: Tuesday, February 20, 2024; 2:00–3:00 pm https://commonwealthu-edu.zoom.us/j/98996061971

Explore past URSCA projects

Please send questions to edickinson@commonwealthu.edu

illustration of Carver Hall