Program Timeline

Application Period

The application process occurs during the spring 2025 semester. First, faculty apply to be advisors. The faculty advisor application is available from February 14 through March 25. The selection committee chooses faculty advisors by April 11. Once faculty are selected, student applications are available April 1 until April 14. Students are selected by April 25, and able to register for summer courses between April 28 and May 1. 

10-week Summer Session

The summer session begins May 27 and continues for ten weeks until August 5. Students and faculty receive their stipends at the start of the summer semester. During this time, faculty teach their student mentees through a 491 course, developing creative research and artistic craft. 

URS Fall Semester

At the beginning of the fall semester, ACC students apply for the Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) thesis program, and enroll in another section of the 491 course taught by their faculty advisor. During the fall semester UGR provides workshops and events. Students learn about research and writing skills, complete progress reports, and engage in small group meetings to stay on track with their projects. 

URS Spring Semester

During the spring semester, students enroll in another section for 491 taught by their faculty advisor. Students engage in small group meetings, complete progress reports, draft theses, present their research at the URS Symposium, and complete their final theses with the help of their faculty advisor.

Program Conclusion

At the end of the three-semester research experience, the creative researchers can publish their theses in the URS Capstone Collection in the Texas A&M OAKTrust Repository. Upon completion of the program and graduation, students earn a university-level honors distinction on their official transcripts, and a URS medallion as official graduation regalia.

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