Author: c923e646@wichita.edu

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) offers undergraduates the chance to present their work through posters or oral presentations, with additional opportunities for those who want to share creative activity and performance. Please share this opportunity with your students.

Abstracts are due April 8. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24, concurrent with the Graduate Research and Scholarly Project (GRASP), with separate award categories for undergraduate participants.

Students may present posters, give oral presentations or showcase creative work and performances. Participants are eligible to compete for cash awards of up to $500.

All are invited to join Adelante Juntos for its next general meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26 in 266 Rhatigan Student Center, Pike Room.

Bring your lunch while hearing how research engages and supports disenfranchised communities and how to get involved with the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub (UReCA) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 in Ablah Library in the Collaboration Hub.

The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Forum (URCAF) will be held on April 24 in Woolsey Hall. Abstract applications for the forum are due by April 8. Review the website for more information.

For questions about URCAF, email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.

All are invited to join Adelante Juntos for its next general meeting from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 in 262 Rhatigan Student Center, Herrman Room. Join for a light activity, refreshments and fun.

Contact Enid Ortiz Colon at enid.ortizcolon@wichita.edu for any questions.

The URCA Hub research grants can be used for travel in direct support of the research project (e.g., books, field sites, museums, historic sites), as well as most materials and equipment. All materials and equipment must stay at WSU once the project is complete. Grants may be used as participant incentives with proof of appropriate IRB approval.

Students who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply:

• Must be a sophomore, junior or senior (by credit hour)
• Must have at least two semesters remaining at WSU, including the semester in which they apply for the grant (i.e., a senior graduating spring 2024 would be eligible to apply in fall 2023)
• Must have a faculty research mentor who is willing to submit a statement in support of the project
• Has not received funds from this program in the past
• Must present this project at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Forum, held annually in the spring

Note: Preference is given to students whose projects are not currently receiving funding from another source (e.g., faculty mentor grants).

More information:

• Application deadline: March 9 for grants to begin in the fall
• The grant amount is up to $1,500 per application

Learn more about the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant Program.

The Adelante Juntos Faculty & Staff Association at WSU is proud to honor and celebrate the achievements of students, faculty, and staff at the third Annual Spanish-Speaking Graduation Ceremony.

We are excited to recognize outstanding Shockers through the following awards:

• The Elisa Chacon Award – This recognition is named after Elisa Chacon, WSU’s first Latine student graduate (1932). The award will be given to an undergraduate student who has excelled in the areas of scholarship, community, leadership and advocacy
  • Previous recipients: Guadalupe Torres-Arreola (2024), Valeria Paunetto (2025)
• The Hector Franco Award – This recognition is named after Hector Franco, WSU’s earliest graduate level degree recipient (1950). The award will be given to a graduate student who has excelled in the areas of scholarship, community, leadership and advocacy
  • Previous recipients: Abel Barraza (2024), Griselda Gomez (2025)
• The Joseph “Jose” Angulo Award – This recognition is named after Joseph “Jose” Angulo, WSU’s longtime professor who taught at WSU for 37 years (1930s-1960s). This award will be given to a faculty member who has excelled in advocating, promoting, mentoring and engaging the WSU community.
  • Previous recipients: Marco Hernandez Guillen (2024), Dr. Edil Torres Rivera (2025)
• The Marcelino “Chelo” Huerta Award – This recognition is named after Marcelino “Chelo” Huerta, WSU’s head football coach (1962-1964) who was inducted in to the College Football Hall of Fame (2002). This award will be given to a staff member who has excelled in advocating, promoting, mentoring and engaging the WSU community.
  • Previous recipients: Dr. Sara Mata (2024), Dr. Isabel Medina Keiser (2025)
• The Camarena Community Award – This recognition is named after Gene and Yolanda Camarena, founders of the Shocker Adelante Scholars (2020). Awarded to a student, faculty or staff member who embodies the highest ideals of character, leadership and service and whose commitment has made a significant impact to the WSU community
  • Previous recipients: Sofia Polanco Botteselle (2024), Dr. Teri Hall (2025)

Nominations will be accepted until March 13. Each candidate will be carefully assessed by the awards subcommittee of the Adelante Juntos Faculty and Staff Association.

Award winners will be revealed at WSU’s third annual Spanish Speaking Graduation Ceremony hosted April 30.

Join the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Hub in celebrating TRIO Day at a lunch and learn from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room, Together, participants will hear about the success of TRIO. TRIO programs will be present, so make sure to check them out. Lunch will be provided.

Learn about the undergraduate research and creative activity hub goals, values and who makes up the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Hub at informational session from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the Ablah Library Collaboration Hub. Participants will also discuss how to reach out to faculty, what research programs are at WSU and key information to know when getting involved in research.

Join the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA) Hub for a lunch and learn featuring inspiring success stories from TRIO alumni and staff from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 in 233 Rhatigan Student Center, Santa Fe Trail Room.

TRIO departments will also be in attendance, giving you an opportunity to learn about the services they offer and how they can support your academic and personal success. Come connect, ask questions and discover how you can become the next TRIO success story.