As of 2026, Ashland University’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity symposium (URCA) is open to all students. In previous years, members of the College of Arts and Sciences were the only students to participate.
The event is held each spring in the Upper Convocation Center on campus and provides AU students with a special opportunity to share their work and experiences with peers, professors, family and members of the community.
“Having an undergraduate research symposium is really important because it’s kind of a safe space to talk about [research] with people that you’re comfortable with; faculty you’ve been ‘raised by,’” said Cindy Perkovich, Ph.D.
Perkovich became a member last year and is now the chair of the URCA committee; she’s been pushing for all colleges to participate in the event.
“Last year we had two business students send in applications unprompted. We let them present with us and it seemed to work pretty well, so I thought, we’ll give it a try this year and see,’” said Perkovich.
URCA is set to take place on April 22, giving students plenty of time to prepare their works. However, abstracts for those participating are due on Feb. 20.
This process has also been adjusted slightly to accommodate a wider variety of presentations this year.
“When it was just CAS, it was difficult for people to do music ensembles or any type of theater, so we now have an ‘other’ line they can mark,” Perkovich explained.
In the past, students were given two options on the application: an oral presentation, or a poster presentation.
To apply, students can easily find an URCA advertisement including a QR code on the many television monitors around campus. After scanning the code with a phone camera, applicants are directed straight to the online form.
There, students will find they need to have a faculty representative. “If you did a project for a semester class, but it’s good enough and you have enough data there for a presentation, you’re more than welcome to do that,” said Perkovich.
Then, an abstract is needed, along with answers to a few basic questions. After a form is submitted, the committee reviews the application and decides whether they’ll accept it. Following the decision, the student and faculty representative will receive an email.
Often times, the committee will accept the application and request a few minor changes; students can adjust as needed and send their work back in.
The event is free and open to the public.
