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The observation, consideration and research of new concepts and ideas lies at the heart of Western’s values. The cultivation of analytical minds and problem-solving skills prepare students to excel in any career. Projects leading to publication bring a valuable distinction to a student’s resume in today’s competitive world.

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Research and Creative Work

Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Work

Western Colorado University is committed to graduating students skilled in written and spoken communication, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity. The Celebration of Scholarship Undergraduate Research Symposium grew from this commitment.

The Celebration highlights the independent creative work of our students and reflects Western’s vibrant community of inquiry. A multidisciplinary event, the semiannual Celebration provides an opportunity for students to be exposed to the practices of communication and critical inquiry across disciplines, which supports the university’s commitment to the liberal arts.

 

  • Plan for a 12-minute oral presentation with three (3) additional minutes for questions. This schedule will be strictly enforced.
  • The following equipment is available
    • a Windows laptop computer with:
      • Windows 7
      • Microsoft Office 2010: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
      • Adobe Acrobat Reader
      • QuickTime
      • Windows Media Player
    • a multimedia LCD projector and a large screen
    • a DVD player that projects onto the screen
  • Presenters must use the Windows laptop computer provided.
  • Presenters must bring any digital presentations materials on a USB flash drive and/or a CD/DVD.
    • No other documents should be on the flash drive and/or CD/DVD.
    • We strongly recommend that presenters bring a backup of their digital presentation materials on a second USB flash drive or CD/DVD in case their primary digital memory device does not work.
  • The recommended format for presentations is Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 (.pptx), although files saved in older versions of PowerPoint should be compatible.
  • If there are any technical difficulties during the presentation, please inform the moderator, who will contact the technical support team.
  • Presenters should arrive at noon, prior to the start of the oral session, to load their presentation and ensure that their USB flash drive and/or CD/DVD opens properly on the Windows laptop computer provided.

  1. Posters
    1. Posters should be a maximum of 24 inches high x 36 inches wide to fit on the display board. Please note that larger posters will not fit on our display boards.
    2. Posters must be readable from at least three feet away.
    3. The presentation title must be at least two inches high.
    4. Beneath the title, the name(s) of the student author(s), faculty sponsor, and school or institution must be at least one inch high.
    5. Please avoid using extensive background colors or images. Help us conserve our limited resources!
  2. Pushpins will be provided for attaching the posters to the display boards.
  3. Presenters must be available to discuss their displays during the poster session.

You are invited to the University’s undergraduate research Symposium! This event is an opportunity for Western students to present what they have learned through their research experiences to a larger audience, as well as an opportunity for students and faculty to participate in a community of scholarship and to examine the connection between research and education. The Symposium includes poster and presentation sessions by students from all academic disciplines and encourages interdisciplinary discourse, allowing students to learn from each other about a broad range of exciting research topics.

All Western Colorado University students involved in research are encouraged to participate. All Western Colorado University faculty are encouraged to involve your classes either through student presentations of significant semester projects, or through incorporating the symposium into your semester assignments and co-curricular experiences. Even for those not presenting, the Symposium will be a great way to learn about the broad range of opportunities available at Western Colorado University.

Western Colorado University Students:
  • Are you working on an independent project?
  • Are you working on a senior thesis?
Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Work
Western Colorado University Undergraduate Research Symposium

This event is an opportunity for Western students to present their research, as well as an opportunity for students and faculty to participate in a community of scholarship and to examine the connection between research and education. The symposium includes poster and oral presentation sessions by students from all academic disciplines and encourages interdisciplinary discourse, allowing students to learn from each other about a broad range of exciting research topics.

All Western students involved in research are encouraged to participate. Even for those not presenting, the Symposium is a great way to learn about the broad range of scholarly and artistic opportunities available at Western.

Abstracts:

Abstracts should be no more than 150 words. Submit abstracts electronically through the Celebration of Scholarship Webpage at the Celebration of Scholarship Abstract Submission Form. You must complete all fields in the abstract submission form. If a field is left blank your abstract will not be accepted. An email confirmation will be sent to both the student and faculty mentor after successful abstract submission. If you do not receive a confirmation email, Dr. Elizabeth Petrie. Detailed guidelines for oral and poster presentations are available on the website. Please review and follow these instructions.

If you have questions please contact Dr. Elizabeth Petrie at epetrie@western.edu

Abstract Submission

Western Research Council

The mission of the Western Research Council (WRC) is to highlight the academic prowess of undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty at Western. WRC exists to expand opportunities for students in all academic disciplines to engage in original research or creative work.

Objectives

WRC promotes active student and faculty scholarship by:

  • supporting the Celebration of Scholarship each semester
  • providing forums for faculty presentations of research and creative work
  • facilitating access to research opportunities and funding sources
  • hosting workshops and presentations on mentoring undergraduate research
  • informing our community of these activities

  • Elizabeth Petrie – Coordinator for Celebration of Scholarship, Chair Western Research Council; Professor Geology
  • Lance Dalleck – Professor of Exercise and Sport Science
  • Steven Coughlin – Professor of English
  • Sara Phillips – Director of LEAD and Orientation
  • Brad Burton – Professor of Geology
  • Lyndsey Gaddy – Student
  • Robert Cohen – Professor of Mathematics
  • Alexander Finkelstein – Lecturer in U.S. History
  • Michael Vieregge – Professor of Business Administration
  • Holly Brunkal – Lecturer in Engineering

Source

Western Fund for Scholarly Opportunities, Undergraduate Research, and Creative Expression (SOURCE)

The purpose of SOURCE is to encourage research, scholarly inquiry and creative activity by Western undergraduate students. Two categories of awards are available: project grants and travel grants. This student-fee generated fund prioritizes in the following order: student research, student travel to present research, and student travel for learning or professional development. When travel does not include a student presentation, we prioritize applications that show matching funds.

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Dean’s List

Honoring the academic achievements of our students.

The Dean’s List at Western Colorado University recognizes students who have attained a grade-point average of 3.70 while carrying 12 or more credits. Dean’s List recipients are acknowledged once per semester and Western is proud to honor them for their commitment to academics. To review the most recent Dean’s Lists, click below.

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