Looking for support from OURS? You’re in the right place.
Students and faculty can find everything you need here to apply for OURS programs—from
poster printing to presenting your work and beyond.
Poster Printing Support from OURS
OURS offers free poster printing to support research and creative projects by undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff. We send posters to RUC!
Note: We are unable to print posters for standard class presentations. This service is intended to support the dissemination of research and scholarly work, ideally reaching beyond the campus community.
How to Submit Your Poster
Need it faster? Email us at ours@radford.edu — we can often turn around a poster within 2 days if needed.
Need Help Creating Your Poster?
We’ve got you covered:
Final Reminders
Present Your Work at the 35th Annual Student Engagement Forum
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) invites undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines to present their scholarly or creative work at the 35th Annual Student Engagement Forum at Radford University!
This signature event celebrates student achievement and offers a chance to share your work with the campus and community.
Key Dates
Poster Presentations: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Oral Presentations: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Deadline to Apply to Present:
Midnight on March 11, 2026
Poster File Submission Deadline:
Monday, April 6, 2026 (for printing)
Who Can Apply?
Students from all majors working on original research, creative projects, or community-engaged work—solo or in groups—are welcome to submit. Work can be at any stage, and all presentations must be mentored by a faculty or professional staff member.
What You’ll Need to Apply
The application link will open in January 2026
Questions?
Email ours@radford.edu or visit us in Whitt 118–126. We’re happy to help you prepare your presentation, organize a special session, or answer questions about the event!
Apply to Present at the 7th Annual Winter CARD
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) invites Radford University students to showcase their research, scholarly, or creative work at the 7th Annual Winter Creative Activities and Research Days (CARD) this December!
Whether you’re presenting a project in progress or celebrating a completed one, this is a great opportunity to share your work and gain experience presenting to an academic audience.
Event Schedule
Oral Presentations: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Poster Presentations: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Deadlines
Application to Present: Due by midnight, November 4, 2025
Poster File Submission: Due by Monday, November 10, 2025 (for printing)
What You’ll Need to Apply
Who Can Apply?
All currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students working with a faculty or staff mentor are eligible to apply. Projects may be:
Group presentations are welcome!
Questions?
Email ours@radford.edu or stop by the OURS office in Whitt 118–126. We’re happy to help you prepare!
Undergraduate Research Travel Awards
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) supports undergraduate students presenting their research or creative work at professional conferences and events; whether in-person or virtual.
Submit your application here at least 30 days before your conference begins.
You can apply as soon as you’ve submitted your abstract or application to present;
even if you haven’t received confirmation yet.
Need help planning or unsure how to start? We’re happy to talk through your questions before or after you apply. Just email ours@radford.edu to set up a meeting.
Travel Application Tips
When you apply for funding, you’ll be asked for:
Lodging Reminder:
Per Commonwealth of Virginia policy, Airbnb and similar short-term rentals are not allowed for university-funded travel. Please use a hotel or approved lodging option.
Pro Tip: Many hotels don’t charge until check-in or will allow free cancellation if done more than 72 hours in advance. Make a reservation early - even if you’re still finalizing travel plans. It’s the best way to secure a room, especially when hotels fill up quickly around conference dates.
Important: Do not book flights before receiving official travel approval. All airfare must be booked according to university travel policy and contracts.
Before You Go
Whether your event is in person or virtual, be sure to:
Funding Details
If OURS rents a vehicle for your group, students are expected to travel in that vehicle or cover alternative travel out of pocket.
Undergraduate Research Scholar Transcript Designation
The Undergraduate Research Scholar designation recognizes Radford students who go above and beyond in contributing to their field through faculty-mentored research, scholarship, or creative inquiry outside the classroom.
This transcript distinction is customized based on your academic discipline. For example,
if you complete qualifying work in Dance, your transcript will say:
Dance Research Scholar
The designation is determined by the nature of your project and the department of your faculty mentor.
Applications can be submitted at this link.
Deadline Reminder: To be included in the Winter Commencement program, applications must be started by November 1 and for the Spring Commencement Program applications must be started by March 30.
Who Qualifies?
To earn this distinction, you must meet the following criteria:
How to Apply
Submit the online application and be sure to fully complete the form. Once submitted, it will automatically route to your faculty mentor for approval.
Have questions? Contact the Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS): Whitt 118-126
ours@radford.edu or 540-831-5537
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF)
Applications closed until November.
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) invites undergraduate students from all disciplines to apply for Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF). The SURF grant program supports students conducting original research or creative work over the summer at Radford University.
The goal is to build a vibrant, collaborative community of undergraduate scholars working with faculty mentors during the summer months.
Fellowship Details
Each fellowship includes:
Projects are expected to be 30 hours a week for 10 weeks over the summer months. The exact weeks are determined by student and mentor availability. It is expected and encouraged to take vacations during the summer. Students are to participate in biweekly virtual professional development workshops.
How to Apply
SURF applications will reopen in November 2025.
Once open:
Student applications must be submitted by midnight on February 11, 2026.
Faculty letters must be submitted by noon on February 13, 2026.
Eligibility
To apply, students must:
Email us at ours@radford.edu or call 540-831-7203. We’re happy to talk through your ideas and help you prepare a strong proposal.
OURS Student Seed Grant
Supporting early-stage student research and creative inquiry projects
The OURS Student Seed Grant provides up to $500 to help undergraduate students launch new research projects. This small grant is designed to help you take those first steps — whether you’re gathering supplies, paying for access to archives or equipment, or exploring a new creative idea.
Who can apply?
Any Radford University or Radford University Carilion (RUC) student working on a new mentored project that falls under undergraduate research can apply here.
What can the funding be used for?
Examples include:
Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting in August. We will continue reviewing until:
How are decisions made?
Applications are reviewed by the OURS staff. If there’s a disagreement about funding, appeals can be made to the OURS Advisory Committee.
Application Overview
The application is short and student-friendly. You’ll be asked to provide basic information and :
Click below to begin your application link to Qualtrics application.
Questions?
We’re happy to help workshop ideas, talk through a budget, or answer questions about what’s eligible. Just email us at ours@radford.edu or stop by Whitt 118–126.
Apply to the Highlander Research Blitz
Deadline to apply: February 20, 2026
Calling all Radford and RUC students! Want to show off your research or creative project
in just three minutes? Apply now for the 2026 Highlander Research Blitz — a fun, fast-paced
competition hosted by OURS and the Office of Graduate Affairs.
What’s the Research Blitz?
Finalists will have 3 minutes and 1 PowerPoint slide to explain their mentored research or creative inquiry to a general audience. Prizes awarded to the top grad and undergrad presenters!
Event Date: April 1, 2026
Location: TBD
Time: 5:00–7:30 PM
Who Can Apply?
Radford undergraduate or graduate students (main campus, RUC, RHEC, SVHEC) with faculty-mentored research or creative inquiry — at any stage — are eligible.
How to Apply
Complete the online application and submit a 3-minute audition video by February 20, 2026.
Video Tips:
Selection & Final Event
Finalists will be notified by February 27, 2026. If selected, you'll present live at the April 1st competition to a panel of judges and community members.
Competition Rules
Judging Criteria
Clarity of Research Question: Is the research question clear, well-defined, and compelling? Can the audience immediately grasp the central focus of the study?
Relevance: Does the presenter effectively draw connections between the research and the audience's experiences, interests, or professional needs, keeping them actively engaged?
Research Impact: Does the presenter clearly and compellingly convey their research results’ significance, connecting findings to broader implications with insight and clarity?
Overall Presentation Skills: Is the presenter confident, poised, and engaging? Do they use strong eye contact, clear voice delivery, and effective body language to help maintain audience attention?
Awards
Top graduate and undergraduate presenters will receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes.
Need Accommodations?
We’re committed to accessibility! Contact OURS (Whitt 118) or Graduate Affairs (Whitt 108) for support:
OURS: ours@radford.edu | 540-831-5537
Grad Affairs: gradaffairs@radford.edu | 540-831-5724
Nominate Your Mentor: OURS Outstanding Mentor Award
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) is proud to celebrate the incredible faculty who guide and support student researchers at Radford University. Each year, the OURS Outstanding Mentor Award recognizes faculty who go above and beyond in mentoring undergraduate research and creative inquiry.
This is OURS highest faculty honor — nominated and selected by students.
Nominations will open this winter!
Nominate your mentor by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026.
Nomination Form Link
What Makes an Outstanding Mentor?
Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to student development and excellence across these areas:
Eligibility
To be considered, a nominee must:
All nominees will be notified after winners are announced in the spring.
Past Recipients
2021 – Sarah Foltz & Maggie Pate
2022 – Chet Bhatta & David Sallee
2023 – Jeff Aspelmeier & James Robey
2024 – Dayna Hayes & Tara Pelletier
2025 – Stockton Maxwell & Francis Webster
Questions?
Contact OURS at ours@radford.edu or stop by Whitt 118 — we’re happy to help!