On Thursday, January 28, 2010 the Seventh Annual Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol will take place in the Capitol Rotunda. This event will help members of the State Legislature and Executive Branch understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.

It is vitally important that the WV Higher Education community work to ensure that those in State government who provide funding for higher education have a clear understanding of the nature and importance of the programs they fund. Undergraduate research must be among those programs that members of the State Legislature understand, if it is to continue to enjoy support.

For many disciplines, undergraduate research is an essential component of the university educational experience. Nothing more effectively demonstrates the value of undergraduate research than the words and stories of the student participants themselves. Therefore as an undergraduate student doing research or as a research mentor you should consider taking part in this program to ensure that other undergraduates can have the advantages that you have enjoyed in doing independent research,

The Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol Steering Committee is calling for students to submit an abstract of their research that represents any of the following disciplines:

Students need not be majors in these disciplines to present a poster (please see the FAQ page below). 

 Abstract Guidance:

• Explain the work that was performed in plain language. --Discuss the importance of the work to science and society (i.e., What larger problem were you trying to solve or understand?). Please keep in mind that your abstract is intended for individuals who will not be experts in your field.
• For those students who intend to use a poster previously presented at a disciplinary meeting, the abstract submitted for this event may be different from the one appearing on your poster.
• Some capability exists for including graphics in the abstract. In this case, submit a standard text abstract on the application form and in a separate email to urdc@marshall.edu send your abstract with the graphics properly located using the abstract template. This will be done on a case-by-case basis.

Criteria for selection will include:

• Quality of the project
• Readability of the abstract
• Geographical distribution
• Diversity of the projects chosen,
• Diversity of student backgrounds.

A maximum of three students may attend with each poster.

Abstract submissions will only be accepted by using our online submission form. Students and faculty mentors may view the information required for application by clicking on the "Get submission form" button at the bottom of this page. Upon submission of an abstract, an e-mail confirmation will be sent to you and your mentor. The mentor must then go to the “Letter of Recommendation” page to submit a copy of the letter electronically. Abstracts without letters of recommendation will not be considered.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS Friday, October 23, 2009. After this date you will no longer be able to access the submission form.   In the past, late submissions were considered, however, this year’s deadline will be enforced.

This is a unique opportunity that we believe will have a very positive impact on the future of State funding for undergraduate education. We encourage undergraduates from both public and private institutions to submit abstracts. We anticipate selecting 80 students for participation in the poster session. Students selected for participation will be notified by Monday, November 16, 2009.

Some funds are available to support costs associated with travel and lodging for students coming from either panhandle. Students and their mentors should also consider exploring a variety of sources of support, including their President's Office, Government Relations Office, academic dean, etc. For this reason, you and your mentor should consult with your department chair, dean, and/or provost about funding prior to submitting an abstract. Students needed financial assistance for travel, should contact us at urdc@mail.wvu.edu. While students may present their poster without mentor accompaniment, mentors are strongly encouraged to participate in the poster session.

Students and their advisors will have an opportunity to visit their State Senators and House of Delegates to talk about undergraduate research. The Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol Steering Committee will provide instructions for setting up these meetings. To assist us in contacting your Senator or Delegates, you are asked to provide the Senate and House of Delegates districts for your home and college or university. If you do not have this information, links to assist you appear on the submission webpage.

The Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol Steering Committee will provide press releases and other materials for students and their campus representatives.

Links to a “Frequently Asked Questions” page and a page of photographs from last year’s event appear below. Questions regarding Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol should be sent to urdc@mail.wvu.edu. Students planning to apply are encouraged to visit the application page in advance to find out what information is required for a complete application.

This event is modeled on a similar research day at the nation’s capital. The Council on Undergraduate Research sponsors an annual event called Posters on the Hill which highlights the research of undergraduates from around the country. In this event, U.S. Senators and members of the House of Representatives are invited to visit the student’s poster. You are invited to visit their website for further details: Posters on the Hill.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GET SUBMISSION FORM
SUBMIT LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
RESEARCH DAY PHOTOGRAPHS