The Office of Research and Creative Arts (ORCA) believes that research and creative work is integral to the development of the student, both as a budding scholar and as an individual, and that engaging in student research is a transformational experience that is highly beneficial to students, faculty and the greater university community. We focus on the use of research and creative work as an opportunity for high-impact, active learning that provides both disciplinary and life tools, allowing students one-on-one experience with faculty mentors in their disciplines as well as real-life experience with critical thinking, intellectual independence, problem solving and creative solutions.
ORCA is committed to inclusive excellence, and strives to increase engagement from LMU’s entire student body, including first generation college students and students from underrepresented groups. The goal of ORCA is to provide opportunities for all LMU students to raise the quality and profile of their work and to disseminate their research and creative results within and beyond LMU.
What is SURP?
The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) provides financial support for students wishing to engage in faculty guided research opportunities and creative activity during the summer for six weeks. Awards are given on a competitive basis. For details on the program, please visit our website: lmu.edu/orca
What are the benefits of participating in SURP?
Participation in SURP provides students with insight into the research process. Further, it provides students an academic alternative to nonacademic summer employment.
Who can apply?
Current Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors across all majors are eligible to apply. Students must be a currently enrolled LMU undergraduate student who will continue to be enrolled in the fall semester.
How do I apply?
Students must submit a complete application (see below). Your faculty mentor must submit a separate Faculty Endorsement Form for your application to be complete. Please visit the SURP page on lmu.edu/orca for details on this requirement.
What happens upon acceptance into SURP?
Upon acceptance and agreement to participate, students will be awarded up to $1800 for the six-week summer term (May 19, 2025 to June 27, 2025). Students will complete paperwork after being selected for a research project, as well as sign a SURP agreement contract.
Students that are accepted into the program also have the option to apply to live on campus with a stipend towards housing costs. Housing for SURP is very competitive; spaces are limited and students that are first timers to SURP will be given priority. Students that have already participated in SURP may live on campus if space is available. Housing is not automatically offered to all SURP participants.
SURP provides funding for the student’s research hours and a housing stipend. The program does not cover research expenses (supplies, travel, etc.)
*Please note that unless there is an extenuating circumstance that receives prior approval from ORCA, all SURP students who receive housing will be automatically be placed in the SURP-living learning community.
All materials listed below should be prepared before beginning the online application process. Please note, you may stop and save your application, to continue at a later time. Please make sure all the answers are correct and final before submitting the application.
Please remember to have the following components ready before you apply:
- Applicant Information
- Faculty Mentor Information
- Project Title
- Project Description and Research Goals. Applicants must provide a description of her/his research proposal. The research project’s overall objectives and specific goals must be included.
- Methodology of Research. Applicants must clearly state how she/he plans to accomplish the goals listed in the project description, identifying the specific steps necessary to perform the research. If you have questions regarding methodology, please see your faculty mentor(s) or visit the OUR office for help.
- Timeline of Research. Applicants must provide a detailed timeline for completion of her/his research project goals. The goals listed in the project description should be included.
- Background Experience. Applications must list any previous research experience she/he may have. This may include applicable course work, and/or other relevant research or past projects within the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Experience
- Benefits to your Field of Study and Career Plans. Applicants must explain why the information gained from this research project will be beneficial to her/his academic goals.
- Requested IRB Approval or IACUC Approval (if applicable)
- Faculty Endorsement Form. Faculty mentors will automatically be sent this form upon completion of your application. Please make sure you type the correct email address.