- What is the Provost Undergraduate Research Assistantship?
- Who is invited to participate?
- Do I need previous research experience to participate?
- Why should I participate?
- What benefits will I receive from participating?
- What kind of research will I be doing as a research assistant?
- What types of research or creative work can I explore?
- What is the timeline?
- What does the fall-term seminar cover?
- What is the scope of the research assistantship?
- What is the Undergraduate Research Symposium?
- Who can I contact if I have more questions?
What is the Provost Undergraduate Research Assistantship?
The Provost Undergraduate Research Assistantship is an exciting, hands-on opportunity for incoming first-year students to explore research and creative work at the University of Oregon. As part of the program, you will work closely with faculty mentors on projects that align with your interests, helping you develop foundational skills in research and creative thinking. The program is designed to introduce you to the research process, provide exposure to different academic fields, and build a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.
Who is invited to participate?
The Provost Undergraduate Research Assistantship is an invitation-only opportunity for high-achieving incoming students who want to begin their University of Oregon experience with curiosity and exploration. The program introduces students to research and creative work during their first year, encouraging them to approach new ideas and academic fields.
Do I need previous research experience to participate?
No. The program is designed as an exploratory, beginner-friendly experience. Students are not expected to have research experience or to know exactly what field they want to pursue. What matters most is curiosity, openness, interest, and a willingness to learn.
Why should I participate?
A research assistantship is a great way to kickstart your academic career by diving into research or creative projects with a faculty mentor. Focusing on your intellectual growth and professional development, the program helps you build foundational research skills, deepen your understanding of an academic field, and contribute to meaningful work. By strengthening your academic portfolio, the program sets you up for future opportunities whether in research, graduate school, or your career.
What benefits will I receive from participating?
- A $5,000 award to support your research involvement.
- Close guidance from faculty mentors as you work on research projects.
- Foundational research and creative work experience, which will support you in future courses, internships, fellowships, conference presentations, distinguished scholarships, and career opportunities.
- Valuable research skills and knowledge to build your academic portfolio for future opportunities.
- Advising support from the Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) team.
What kind of research will I be doing as a research assistant?
This is an introductory research experience. You will work closely with faculty on projects related to your interests and contributing in real ways to their research and creative works. The program is designed to give you a meaningful engagement with the academic research process and culture. Think of it as a primer, an opportunity to learn what research looks like, gain valuable skills and knowledge, and see what types of projects faculty are working on.
What types of research or creative work can I explore?
The program allows participants to explore research across a wide range of fields by moving beyond research as “topic,” and instead diving deeper into the underlying questions and problems. Faculty mentors represent multiple disciplines, and the program’s research streams include:
- Art, Design and Creative Innovation
- Biological and Health Sciences, Bioengineering, Human Behavior, and Psychology
- Cultural Studies and Heritage
- Data Science and Computer Science
- Digital Humanities and Media Arts
- Global Studies and Social Justice
- Sustainable Environmental Studies and Geography
- Urban Planning and Sustainable Development
Students can choose research streams based on initial interests or emerging curiosities, with no prior experience needed in any of the areas.
What is the timeline?
- March 2026: visit campus for Scholars Recognition Day
- Spring 2026: community of practice workshops hosted for faculty mentor cohort
- Fall 2026: participate in a one-credit seminar course to support preparations for research assistantship experiences
- Winter and Spring 2027: engage in research assistantships
- May 2027: present your research experience at the Undergraduate Research Symposium
What does the fall-term seminar cover?
The seminar is designed to help you build important research, academic, and professional skills. You’ll gain insight into research practices across a variety of disciplines, while receiving support to prepare for your mentorship and reconfirm your mentor pairing. It’s also an opportunity to strengthen your toolkit, foster community with peers, and build confidence as you transition into college.
What is the scope of the research assistantship?
You will engage in your undergraduate research assistantship during winter and spring terms under the guidance of your faculty mentor. You will be involved in your research or creative work project for approximately 8-10 hours per week during the academic term. Each assistantship is unique and designed by the faculty mentor.
What is the Undergraduate Research Symposium?
Research assistantship participants will present what they have learned or created at UO’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, a campus-wide event that brings together students who are involved in all areas of research, and celebrates the broad, interdisciplinary nature of undergraduate research and creative work at the university.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) supports the participants and faculty mentors. Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to urds@uoregon.edu.