Undergraduate Research Club (URC)
The URC aims to raise the profile of undergraduate research and independent study and funding opportunities on campus for students of all levels and academic backgrounds.
Funding Opportunities
Funding is awarded in multiple ways on a competitive basis to undergraduate students engaged in research and creative activities under the mentorship of TU faculty members.
The Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry (URCI) Committee is guided by the definition of undergraduate research and creative inquiry given by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) to determine which projects are eligible for funding. The CUR defines undergraduate research as “an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that makes an original intellectual or creative contribution to the discipline.”
funding faq
What funding is available?
URCI offers four funding opportunities (learn more by clicking on the title):
TIGURS is offered to rising sophomores and incoming transfers during the summer. It is designed for students new to research who will be matched to mentors.
The Research Impact Award is offered to sophomore, junior and senior TU students. It is a $1,000 award to do research with a Towson faculty member in the Spring semester.
Advanced Research Grant is offered to TU students who are not in their senior year. It is a $5,000 award
to do research with a Towson faculty member in the Summer.
Travel Awards of up to $800 to present work at a conference are offered on a rolling
basis.
See more details on Travel Awards below.
Who is eligible to apply for funding?
Undergraduate students at TU who are enrolled in a degree-seeking program with six credits or more are eligible to apply for funding that supports undergraduate research and creative activities.
What projects are eligible for funding?
All original scholarly and creative activity appropriate to any discipline at our university is eligible under this program. This includes but is not limited to, for example, research in natural and social sciences, humanities, artistic performances, and works of art.
The project must be mentored and supported by a full-time TU faculty member to be eligible for URCI funding.
Travel AWARDS
TU undergraduate students can be awarded up to $800 each academic year to attend a professional meeting or conference where the student will present the results of their work. The funds can be used to pay for registration fees, transportation, lodging, and meals. The primary presenter and one co-presenter (if applicable) are supported up to $800 each.
After receiving confirmation that their presentation was accepted by the conference, presenters should submit the travel award application form (see below) at least 30 days before the travel start date.
application process
To apply, students will need to provide the email received from the conference confirming their presentation is accepted, in addition to evidence that their faculty mentor is aware of their funding request. This information is requested in the travel award application form here.
Please reach out to ourci AT_TOWSON with any questions.
AWARD CONDITIONS
If you receive the travel award, please note (1) there will be more forms to fill out to receive funding; (2) you must submit two photos and a reflection assignment after your travel; and (3) you must also apply to present your work at a future OURCI event.