Advancing Research Culture (ARC) Student Application Open

Launch your research journey this spring through ARC!

What is ARC?

The Advancing Research Culture (ARC) program introduces first- and second-year WashU undergraduates to research by connecting them with ongoing faculty research projects. Through this hands-on experience, students explore their academic interests, gain early exposure to the research process, and develop foundational research skills that can benefit their future academic experience and development. In addition to forming a relationship with a faculty mentor, students selected for ARC become part of an interdisciplinary cohort of peers to enhance learning and a sense of community.

ARC is aimed at students with little or no prior research experience to provide them with an early opportunity to develop research skills and explore academic interests in a hands-on setting. The program will run during the Spring 2025 semester and offers opportunities for academic credit. Students eligible for federal work-study may also be able to use these funds to support their research and are especially encouraged to apply. Up to 20 students will be selected for this pilot program.

Benefits of Participation

Gain hands-on research experience, build confidence, and develop skills valuable in any field to lay a foundation for future opportunities
Explore different fields of study before declaring a major
Receive guidance from faculty mentors and support from the OUR while connecting with peers to form a research community
Earn 1-3 units of academic credit for your research work (number of credits will depend on the time commitment required by the mentor)
Work-study eligible students may be able to apply these funds to support their research work

Requirements and Eligibility

Open to all first- and second-year WashU undergraduates in good academic standing. In this pilot semester, first-year students will be prioritized.
Projects will require a time commitment of 3 to 10 hours per week. Commitment will vary based on nature of faculty project as listed in the project outlines.
Students chosen for ARC will be enrolled in a Directed Studies course within the host department. Should you choose to apply, please plan for those additional credits in your workload.
No previous research experience is required, but a strong curiosity about research and a willingness to learn are essential.

Expectations

Dedicate 3 to 10 hours per week to your research project. Your availability must align with your projects of interest.
Regularly meet and communicate with your faculty mentor and actively participate in the research project.
Approach the research project with diligence, commitment, and enthusiasm.
Attend monthly meetings with ARC participants and the OUR, and complete assigned reflection exercises and surveys to track your progress and provide program feedback.

Application Components and Process

Prior to applying, review the available research projects and identify those that align with your interests and goals. Ensure the time commitment required by the faculty mentor is feasible for your schedule, keeping in mind any other commitments you may have.

You can preview a copy of the ARC application here. In the application portal you will (for best experience, utilize a brower other than Safari):

Complete a basic eligibility check (e.g., are you a First-Year or Sophomore) and a student background information form (e.g., name, e-mail, intended major)
Select and rank up to three research project choices
Complete two short answer questions describing what you hope to gain from the ARC experience and your interest and fit for the chosen projects.

The OUR will match students to projects based on their interests and the project's learning goals. Please note that being matched does not guarantee placement with a project. Faculty mentors have the final decision in selecting participants for their projects. In some cases, faculty may request to meet with students as part of the matching process. Students will only be notified of their placement once a mentor has confirmed their selection. Students can only work with one mentor.

Successful applicants will be manually enrolled in a Directed Studies course within their host departments for the Spring 2025 semester.

Important Dates and Timeline

Application deadline: November 18, 2024 (for best experience, utilize a browser other than Safari)
Final decisions released: December 18, 2024
Program begins: January 13, 2025