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Undergraduate Research

URCA Abstract Submission Guidelines

The following information outlines the process for submitting an abstract to URCA. URCA is an interdisciplinary undergraduate research conference. Therefore, the Office for Undergraduate Research at The University of Alabama has used many of the guidelines from the National Conference for Undergraduate Research to develop the guidelines for URCA.

Abstract guidelines are below.

To present at URCA you must submit an abstract by the abstract deadline. Abstract submission requires three steps:

  1. Write your abstract following the appropriate guidelines for your discipline (for visual or performance-based disciplines additional guidelines are provided below). It is highly recommended that you complete your abstract before starting step #4.
  2. Inform your faculty mentor that you are submitting your abstract for consideration. Your faculty mentor will receive communication from URCA requesting their approval that your abstract be considered for participation. However, if your faculty member would like to provide a letter of support along with your submission, they may do so. The letter will need to be on official letterhead and have the faculty member’s signature.  It will also need to address the following questions:
    • Do you agree that this this project proposal may be for considered for URCA 2025?  
    • Do you have any concerns about the student’s abstract being printed in the program booklet for URCA 2025?
    • Do you agree with the category that they have selected for participation? 
  3. Gather the email addresses of all undergraduate student co-authors/presenters, as they will be required in the submission form.
  4. Access the abstract submission form on Qualtrics, fill out the required information, enter your abstract into the text box (1250 characters max), review your submission, and press the submit button. Be sure to have all the required information available before you access the submission form to expedite the submission process. Note: Only the primary presenter will be able to submit the final abstract.

Important Information

  • All abstracts must be submitted by the posted deadline(s). Please refer to the submission deadlines and make sure you submit your abstract accordingly. Notification decisions will be sent according to the posted schedule.
  • The title and author(s) of your abstract, as well as the abstract itself, will appear EXACTLY as they are entered in the abstract submission form. Please double-check punctuation, grammar, and spelling before submitting.
  • Upon acceptance, your abstract will automatically be incorporated into the final program, which you may later reference for graduate school applications, resumes, CVs, etc.
  • Follow the guidelines below when preparing your abstract. Select the discipline area option which is most appropriate.
  • If you need assistance writing your abstract, please reach out to the Office for Undergraduate Research. 

Abstract Guidelines (by Discipline Area)

Abstract guidelines for the following disciplines: Business/Accounting/Finance/Management/Economics, Education, Engineering/Computer Science, Health Science/Human Performance/Nursing/Nutrition, Humanities (not performance based) Life Sciences, Social Sciences/Human Development/Communication Studies/University Libraries, Physical Science/Mathematics.

  1. Follow the typical abstract submission guidelines from your academic discipline
  2. Remain within the required character count (1250 maximum)
  3. Clearly state the central research question and/or purpose of the project. 
  4. Provide brief, relevant scholarly or research context (no actual citations required) that demonstrates its attempt to make a unique contribution to the area of inquiry.
  5. Provide a brief description of the research methodology.
  6. State conclusions or expected results and the context in which they will be discussed. 
  7. Include text only (no images or graphics)
  8. Be well-written and well-organized.

Abstract Guidelines for Apparel/Textiles/Interior Design/Visual Arts

* When possible, we recommend that projects be submitted using the guidelines listed above. However, those URCA Abstract Guidelines may ask for information that is not completely consistent with artistic practices, this is how the requirements should be translated, if necessary.

  1. Clearly state the central research question and/or purpose of the project. Provide an artist statement.
  2. Provide brief, relevant scholarly or research context (no actual citations required) that demonstrates its attempt to make a unique contribution to the area of inquiry. In the statement, cite your influences and inspirations: other established artists; movements that are referenced or serve as inspiration; political/ cultural/ social issues that the work responds to; personal events, adventures, medical diagnosis; etc.
  3. Provide a brief description of the research methodology. What techniques were used?  It could be as basic as oil painting on primed canvas, or a more in-depth explanation of the experimental process.
  4. State conclusions or expected results and the context in which they will be discussed. What did you learn?  What was successful?  What are things to be addressed in future pieces?  How does this piece fit into your portfolio or future works?
  5. Include text only (no images or graphics) Include a link (box, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to a recording of the work and a score of the work if required for performance.
  6. Be well-written and well-organized. 

Abstract Guidelines for Performing Arts

  1. Clearly state the central research question and/or purpose of the project. A statement discussing compositional or performance aspects of the work. (Example: Why did you compose this work or choose this work to perform? What aspects of music/theatre/dance are you exploring?)
  2. Provide brief, relevant scholarly or research context (no actual citations required) that demonstrates its attempt to make a unique contribution to the area of inquiry. (Example: How does the composition and/or performance advance the development of your creative output?)
  3. Provide a brief description of the research methodology. Provide a brief description of the musical work from a compositional or performative standpoint.
  4. State conclusions or expected results and the context in which they will be discussed. How did the composition of the work or preparation for the performance affect your musical understanding and output?
  5. Include text only (no images or graphics). Include a link (box, Google Drive, dropbox, etc) to a recording of the work and a score of the work if required for performance.
  6. Be well-written and well-organized.