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

  1. Offices and Departments
  2. Research and Sponsored Programs
  3. 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.

Please send questions to Elizabeth Dickinson, Director of Research Administrator