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.
18TH ANNUAL UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM APPLICATION 2025
DEADLINE: February 6, 2026
To present at the Symposium, students must submit the following application, with abstract, describing their research or creative experience. Please read carefully as there are multiple required components. Faculty committees will choose the student presenters. All applicants will be notified of acceptance on or before .
URS 18 will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026.
PRESENTATION FORMATS
*NOTE: If you are applying as part of a group, only one application is needed:
1. Oral Presentation. Delivered by paper or PowerPoint. Please choose Oral Presentation OR Poster for one application, not both.
2. Poster Presentation Session. Combines text and graphics on a 36" X 48" poster to present your research individually or in a group. Please choose Oral Presentation OR Poster for one application, not both.
3. Film Presentation*. Delivered by paper or PowerPoint through a recorded video.
4. Visual & Performing Arts Presentation*. Includes painting, photography, graphic design, ceramics, etc., music, dance, and theater - solo or group.
*NOTE: (Formats 3 & 4) Written abstracts must be accompanied by electronic submission of a minimum 3 minute video, audio file, or digital images. Students will be prompted to upload these supplemental materials within the application.
5. Round Table/Panel Discussion*. For students making individual oral presentations on the same theme. Groups must consist of 3 or more people and require faculty nomination. Presentations to be delivered by paper or PowerPoint.
*NOTE: (Format 5) You must determine the title of the round table prior to submission. Have the name of faculty mentor and submit your submission individually. Title of Round Table should be same for all applications.
For more information please visit our website.
Please note that you may submit multiple applications to the Symposium. You must fill out a separate application for each submission.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM APPLICATION
Please remember to have the following components ready:
- Abstract (250 words max)
- Faculty Mentor Information
- Group Members names and email, if applicable
- Format Type
- Round Table Title, if applicable