Research and Scholarship Conference

The Research & Scholarship Conference (RASC) at Western Carolina University is made up of the Undergraduate Exposition, the Graduate Research Symposium, and the Faculty Scholarship Celebration. The two-day event will host various scholarly content, including posters, exhibits, performance presentations, a keynote address, faculty 3MR, two celebrations, and awards for scholarly activities. 

This year’s conference may include a featured presentation component. Participants will have the option to tag their work accordingly during registration, and these presentations will be curated and featured as part of dedicated session(s). Stay tuned.

This showcase academic event is hosted by the Office of the Provost,the Graduate School and Research, Hunter Library, and the Brinson Honors College.

The Undergraduate Research Exposition & The Graduate Research Symposium, part of WCU’s campus-wide Research and Scholarship Conference, provides students with the opportunity to work with faculty to present their research to an engaged audience on campus. 

All undergraduate and graduate students, from any discipline, engaged in scholarly inquiry, creative projects, or research are welcome to register for this event!

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Undergraduate Exposition

GRADUATE STUDENT REGISTRATION INFORMATION:  Graduate Research Symposium

Important Dates:

• November 19, 2026: Registration opens for the Undergraduate Exposition and Graduate Research Symposium.
• February 10, 2027: Registration closes at 11:59 pm.
• November 19, 2026 - March 8, 2027: Digital upload period for registrants.
• March 17, 2027 (events open to campus and the public): 

  • Oral and Poster presentations 

  • Fine arts exhibits and Performances 

  • Keynote Address 

  • The Preliminary Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk (3MR) Competition 

  • Celebration Receptions and awards recognizing scholarly achievements

• March 18, 2027: The Faculty Scholarship Celebration, the sixth annual Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk Competition, and Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon (reservation-only event).

Hunter Library Poster Printing Guide

Faculty and Staff from all disciplines are invited to present their research during the student exposition and symposium on March 17, 2027. 

Impotant Note: If you are a co-author with a student presenter, please support your student's presentation rather than registering seperatly. Faculty should only register if their work is not being presented by a student. 

Stay Tuned for Registration Information.

Important Dates:

• November 19, 2026: Registration opens at 12:00 am.
• February 10, 2027: Registration closes at 11:59 pm.
• November 19, 2026 - March 8, 2027: Digital upload period for registrants.
• March 17, 2027 (events open to campus and the public): 
  • Oral and Poster presentations 
  • Fine arts exhibits and Performances 
  • Keynote Address 
  • The 6th Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk (3MR) Competition 
  • Celebration Receptions and awards recognizing scholarly achievements  
• March 18, 2027: The Faculty Scholarship Celebration, the sixth annual Faculty 3-Minute Research Competition, and Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon (reservation-only event).

Hunter Library Poster Printing Guide

The Sixth Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research Competition

Hosted by the Graduate School as part of the 2027 Research and Scholarship Conference and the 35th Annual Graduate Research Symposium.

The Research and Scholarship Conference and the Graduate Research Symposium is calling for any interested faculty to participate in the sixth annual WCU Faculty 3-Minute Research Competition.

Modeled after the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition faculty will be celebrating the exciting and innovative research, scholarship, and creative activity taking place here at WCU in only 3 minutes!

The competition will be held live and in-person in the A.K. Hinds University Center on Thursday, March 18, 2027 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded to faculty winners.

The competition is open to any faculty member from across any discipline. Faculty register using the following link:
REGISTRATION INFORMATION COMING SOON

The Faculty Scholarship Celebration is an event that highlights faculty accomplishments as they relate to research. The event hosts a Faculty 3MR Competition and celebrates the recipients of the Million Dollar Circle Awards, the Hunter Scholar Award, and the Provost's Scholarship Development Grant Awards. 

Monday, March 15th (access to virtual wesbite open to campus and the public):

• 2027 Research and Scholarship Conference's Affiliate Website Opening, featuring the 29th Annual Undergraduate Exposition, the 35th Annual Graduate Research Symposium, and the 22nd Annual Faculty Scholarship Celebration.
• Content will include project listings for graduate and undergraduate students, and faculty + staff poster, oral, and performance presentations, and fine arts exhibits.
  
  • Visit go.wcu.edu/rasc to see our online program

Wednesday, March 17th: Experience a full day of scholarly engagement, including oral and poster presentations, fine arts exhibits, and the preliminary round of the Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk (3MR). The day concludes with a keynote address, awards ceremony, and a celebratory reception sponsored by the Office of the Provost.

• 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - Undergraduate, Graduate, and Faculty Oral/Performance Presentations, A.K. Hinds University Center & Coulter Recital Hall
• 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Keynote Address, Ramsey Center Arena
• 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm - Undergraduate, Graduate, and Faculty/Staff Poster Presentations, Fine Arts Exhibits, and the Celebration Reception, Ramsey Center Concourse 

Thursday, March 18th: The annual Faculty Scholarship Celebration will highlight faculty research and scholarship accomplishments, including the final round of the Faculty 3MR Competition and recognition of major award recipients. 

• 11:00 am - 1:30 pm, A.K. Hinds University Center Grand Room
• The 6th Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research (3MR) Competition
• Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon (reservation-only event, details coming soon)
• Awards Presentation (Million Dollar Circle, Hunter Scholar, Provost’s Scholarship Development Award)

The keynote address is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17th, from 5:00-6:00 pm in the Ramsey Center Arena.  

Save the Date: Keynote TBA