Student Undergraduate Research Council (SURC)
Application Information
2016
The Office for Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity (OURCA) sponsors the Student
Undergraduate Research Council (SURC) to promote awareness about undergraduate research
opportunities at NAU. Through generating awareness we hope to increase the number of students engaged in
research, scholarly, or creative projects at NAU. We also want to convey to students studying in a variety of
disciplines and coming from diverse backgrounds that research is beneficial for their academic and career
development. We believe that participating in undergraduate research is an important experience for anyone
interested in gaining more knowledge and a deeper appreciation of their academic field.
We seek qualified undergraduate researchers to apply to be members of the council. Members must have the
following qualifications:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Research experience at NAU (1+ semesters preferred or faculty recommendation)
Have at least a 2.5 GPA
Commit to serve on SURC for at least 2 semesters
Remain involved in research while a member of SURC
SURC members’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1) Advise the Undergraduate Research Coordinator and the faculty Undergraduate Research Advisory
Council
2) Attend monthly meetings
3) Promote undergraduate research at workshops, tabling events, and class/club presentations
4) Work as a team to develop, strengthen, and expand undergraduate research awareness at NAU
5) Spend at least 15 hrs/semester on SURC activities
6) Provide significant logistical assistance for the annual Undergraduate Symposium the last Friday of
April
If you would like to apply to serve on the Student Undergraduate Research Council please:
résumé or CV
current unofficial transcript
You will be contacted to schedule a 15 minute interview after you turn in all application materials.
As a benefit of serving on this council, SURC members will receive
· $100 in conference-presentation travel funds upon completion of 10 hours of service SURC
· SURC polo shirt & nametag
· Great resume-building experience
· Be featured on the UG Research website
You should email your completed application and resume to ug-research@nau.edu
If you have any questions, please contact SURC via email: ug-research@nau.edu.
Student Undergraduate Research Council
Application Form
Name:
Student ID #:
Major(s):
Minor(s):
Current NAU GPA:
Expected Graduation Month/Year:
Address:
Preferred Phone Number:
Email:
@nau.edu
# Semesters working as a researcher:
Faculty Mentor(s):
What undergraduate research program(s) have you participated in or do you plan to participate in the
future (e.g., Honors Thesis, Hooper Undergraduate Research Awards, NASA Space Grant, Undergraduate
Research course: xxx485, etc.)?
In 2-4 sentences please answer the following questions:
Briefly describe your research project(s):
What other responsibilities will you have during the 2016-17 academic year (e.g. work, leadership
roles, clubs)?
What is the best part about engaging in research, scholarly, or creative projects as an undergraduate?
What is the most challenging part about engaging in these kinds of projects?
What role has your mentor had in your undergraduate career?
Why are you interested in serving on SURC and what ideas do you have for the Council this coming
year?
What qualities and skills will you bring to the Council?
Each SURC member has a role within the council as explained in the following list. Please rank your
top three choices (one equals the highest rank) based on the roles that appeal most to you:
Meeting Coordinator Select Priority
Maintain communication between council members by taking minutes during meetings and
sending these to all SURC members within 5 days.
Communications/Technology Coordinators Select Priority
Ensure council members are aware of upcoming events; organize the interviews of new SURC
members in 2013-14; maintain, edit, and expand the Undergraduate Research Facebook
page and develop a Twitter account; develop and send email notices to UG distribution lists
as directed by the Undergraduate Research Coordinator.
Event/Marketing Coordinators Select Priority
Manage the planning and execution of SURC events; lead and develop new endeavors to
promote undergraduate research on-campus (e.g., newsletter articles, tabling, seminars,
events such as fall research fair and Honors Days).
Faculty/URAC Liaisons Select Priority
Communicate with the faculty, staff, and administration in the interest of SURC's mission;
participate as an ex-officio member of the faculty Undergraduate Research Advisory Council
(URAC); collaborate with the Classes/Clubs/Transfer Coordinator to schedule class
presentations with faculty; identify faculty across the disciplines that regularly include
undergraduates in their projects.
Classes/Clubs Coordinators Select Priority
Organize outreach for classroom and club visits to promote undergraduate research and
undergraduate research programs.
Transfer Coordinators Select Priority
Work with Transfer and Transition Services to reach incoming transfer students and help
publicize the undergraduate research opportunities for transfer students; work in association
with Coconino Community College (CCC) to promote undergraduate research at NAU
through class visits and other events.