URSA Engage 2023-2024 Deadline to apply is December 8th. Applications will be reviewed and accepted January 2024.

Application Timeline

Student applications are due December 8, 2023 and notification of awards will be sent in late January. Awardees are expected to engage with their projects for an average of 5 hours a week for the 15-week duration of the project (mid-winter 2024 to the end of spring 2024). 

 

Eligibility

Student:

  • If selected, must be enrolled in at least 6 credits at OSU while participating in the program
  • Must apply to work with a mentor that they have not worked with in the past
  • Be in 1st or 2nd year at OSU, and transfer students in 1st year at OSU (Cascades and Ecampus students eligible) 
  • Seeking their 1st undergraduate degree
  • Submit only 1 application
  • Can apply for the program once per year that they are eligible and can only receive 1 URSA Engage award
  • Into OSU Pathways Programs will be eligible for the URSA Engage Program after they progress into an OSU degree

Program Requirements

Student will:

  • Meet with mentor at least once a week, or 2-3 times a term if a graduate student is available to meet with mentee at least once a week.

  • Present work at the Spring Poster Symposium in May 2024, the Fall Virtual Symposium, or at another approved professional conference.

  • Submit a 1-2 page written report that includes a brief overview of the research/creative activity, the impacts of the mentoring relationship on your undergraduate experience, and any issues you encountered. 

  •  Attend a professional development workshop called Getting the Most from Undergraduate Research.

In-Person, 4:00-5:00pm PT, Mon., Feb. 5 Registration (In-person) *Room TBD

Virtual, 4:00-5:00pm PT, Tues., Feb. 6 Registration (Zoom)

 

Financial Aid Award

Students in this program receive an award of $1,000. The $1,000 will be transferred into the student’s OSU account as two installments. $500 will be applied in the Winter term, and $500 in the Spring term after we have verified you are continuing in your project.

It is possible that this award could affect a student's financial aid package. If you are concerned that your financial aid may be impacted, please contact a Financial Aid Advisor. 

Establishing a working agreement with your faculty mentor

Now that you've connected with an URSA Engage faculty mentor, it is important to establish the terms of the work you will be doing for your project. To help you keep track of those expectations, it might be useful for you to formulate a contract that establishes the work you will be doing, the amount of hours expected of you, and the goals your mentor might have. Having a contract like this can also be useful to look back on.