91��Ԫ

Beverly Piggott talks with her students in the lab at the 91��Ԫ.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Important Dates

Table of important dates and associated activities for UMCUR
Date		Key Events and Action Items
Feb. TBD, 2026		How to Write an Abstract/Artist statement – Workshop I. An interactive workshop focused on developing and refining abstracts and artist’s statements for UMCUR submissions. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room). Date and times will be confirmed the first week of February.
Feb. TBD, 2026		How to Write an Abstract/Artist statement – Workshop II. A continuation workshop emphasizing revision, clarity, and effective communication of research and creative work. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room). Date and times will be confirmed the first week of February.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026		Preparing for a Poster Presentation – Workshop I. Guidance on poster design, visual storytelling, layout, and communicating research effectively in poster format. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room), 2:30–4:30pm or 5:00–7:00pm.
Friday, Feb. 20, 2026		Abstract/Artist’s Statement submission deadline (11:59pm). Submission also serves as conference registration in ScholarWorks. There is no cost to participate. **A submission extension* for late breaking abstracts will be posted on Friday 13th***
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026		Preparing for an Oral Presentation/Performance – Workshop I. Strategies for structuring oral presentations or performances, engaging diverse audiences, and presenting with confidence. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room), 2:00–4:00pm or 5:00–7:00pm.
Tuesday, Mar. 3, 2026		NEW: “1,000 Most Used Words” Science Communication Workshop (Instruction & Recording Session). A science communication workshop focused on communicating clearly and accessibly for broad, non-specialist audiences. Students will also record short communication pieces to be featured during UMCUR and shared beyond the conference. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room), 3:30–5:00pm.
Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2026		Preparing for a Poster Presentation – Workshop II. Advanced poster development, feedback, and revision support for students preparing final poster drafts. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room), 2:00–4:00pm or 5:00–7:00pm.
Thursday, Mar. 19, 2026		Preparing for an Oral Presentation/Performance – Workshop II. Refinement of presentation structure, delivery, and visual or media components, with opportunities for feedback. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room), 2:00–4:00pm or 5:00–7:00pm.
Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026		Pre-Conference Practice Session I (all presentation/performance types). Practice your presentation or performance in a supportive setting and receive feedback prior to UMCUR. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room), 2:00–4:00pm or 5:00–7:00pm.
Thursday, Mar. 26, 2026		Pre-Conference Practice Session II (all presentation/performance types). Additional practice opportunity for all presenters and performers preparing for UMCUR. Mansfield Library (Theta Rho Room), 2:00–4:00pm or 5:00–7:00pm.
Friday, Apr. 10, 2026		All final abstract and artist’s statement edits due in ScholarWorks by 5:00pm. This is the final deadline for content that will appear in the conference program.
Sunday, Apr. 12, 2026		Poster printing deadline (PawPrint). Final poster files must be uploaded to ScholarWorks by 11:59pm to receive free poster printing. No poster edits will be permitted after this deadline.
Thursday, Apr. 16, 2026		Poster, presentation/performance slides, or other media files upload deadline. These materials must be uploaded by Thursday, April 16, by 10am, to be part of the publicly accessible ScholarWorks record. This is not for printing.
Friday, Apr. 17, 2026		UMCUR 2026 – The Big Day! Students present and perform their work as part of the 91��Ԫ Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Friday, May 1, 2026		Week of Excellence Awards Ceremony. A celebration recognizing UMCUR outstanding student presentations, performances, and mentorship, and Faculty and Graduate students Mentorship. UC Ballroom.