Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

Question: When is NCUR 2024?
Answer: NCUR 2024 will be held in Long Beach, California on April 8-10, 2024.

Question: When will the submission portal open for NCUR 2024?
Answer: The submission portal will open on September 15, 2023 and will remain open until December 8, 2023.

Scheduling and Sessions

Question: Can I request a specific presentation date and time?
Answer: We are not able to accommodate requests for specific presentation dates or times. We do encourage participants to attend the entire conference as it is an excellent opportunity to see, hear, and support fellow researchers and their presentations. Also, there are a number of special events planned throughout the conference. We hope you’ll want to participate and enjoy these added experiences.

When registering for the conference, please understand that your presentation may be scheduled for any day and time between 4:00 p.m. PT on Monday, April 8, 2024, and 4:35 p.m. PT on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Question: How do I make sure I don't miss the opening and closing ceremonies?
Answer: The Opening Plenary will be held on Monday at 3:00 p.m. PT) and the Closing Plenary will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. PT. Show up early for the best seats!

NCUR Account Creation/Log In

Question: How do I create an NCUR 2024 account?
Answer: Login or create a new CUR Account using your institutional email. Note: This account will be used for actions related to NCUR 2024 such as submitting an abstract, registering, etc. and includes basic information such as first name, last name, email address, password, etc.

Question: How can I receive emails about NCUR 2024?
Answer: Once you have created an NCUR 2024 account, your email address will be automatically added to the mailing list for the conference. You can create an account even if you aren't sure yet whether you will submit an abstract.

Question: I’m not receiving emails from NCUR 2024. What should I do?

Answer: Please add ncur@cur.org to your contact list to avoid missing important emails from NCUR about your abstract and your submission status. You will be notified by e-mail confirming the submission of your abstract, and you will receive notification of your abstract submission status in mid-January 2024. If you do not receive either of those notifications, be sure to check your email account's SPAM folder. It is also possible that you misspelled your email when you submitted your abstract, which means you will not receive any emails in return. You can log back into the system and check the status of your abstract. Email ncur@cur.org with questions or corrections to your email address.

Question: May faculty advisors and mentors present with their student advisees at NCUR?
Answer: No, NCUR is a presentation opportunity for undergraduate research students only. However, there are specific faculty-led submission opportunities in the abstract submission form.

Question: When do campus coordinators need to make an account?
Answer: Once registration is open, campus coordinators will be instructed on how to access and process invoices. This will be done through CUR’s standard system used for all other programs and services. Please note that as a campus coordinator, you are responsible for communicating with your students that your name and information is listed correctly when they submit their research abstract. This information will be used during invoicing and communication throughout the process. If the data is correct, you will receive a confirmation email per submission.

Eligibility to Submit/Present at NCUR 2024

Question: If I am a high school student enrolled in a dual-enrollment program, am I eligible to participate in NCUR 2024?
Answer: Yes, provided you have completed the research.

Question: If I am graduating in December 2023 am I eligible to participate?
Answer: Yes, as long as the research was performed while you were an undergraduate. However, you may want to check with your institution as they may not be able to pay the registration fee for a student who has already graduated. You may register on your own; institutional payment is not required.

Question: May I submit an abstract if I am no longer a college student?
Answer: Yes, if the research was done while you were an undergraduate student. However, you may want to check with your institution as they may not be able to pay the registration fee for a student who has already graduated. You may register on your own; institutional payment is not required.

Question: If I am an international student am I eligible to participate in this event?
Answer: Yes! international students are eligible and encouraged to apply for NCUR.

Abstract Submission/Revision/Withdrawal

Question: Does my project need to be completed before I present it?
Answer: Projects do not have to be completed at the time of submission. If your project hasn't been complete prior to the abstract submission deadline, you can use phrases such as "I anticipate that the results will be...". Please summarize what has been done so far, and what you hope to finish by the time of the conference.

Question: Can I submit already published or formerly presented work?
Answer: Yes, NCUR allows students to submit previously published or previously presented work during abstract submission.

Question: How do you select abstracts?
Answer: Abstracts are reviewed for general adherence to disciplinary standards.

Question: Can I present research at NCUR 2024 that was recently presented at a state or local conference?
Answer: Yes, you can present material at NCUR 2024 that was presented elsewhere.

Question: I am not sure what to choose for the field of study. Can you help?
Answer: Please read the entire list of fields before choosing the most appropriate for your research. If concerns remain, we suggest you discuss the appropriate field with your mentor(s).

Question: Is there a format for abstract submissions? Is there a length restriction?
Answer: Yes. Abstracts must be limited to 300 words. Complete instructions and formatting information are provided on the abstract submission page.

Question: May I attach a table and graph to my abstract?
Answer: No. You should only include text in the abstract. The abstract can summarize the table and graph, but only text can be submitted.

Question: May I include a reference page in my abstract? If so, will that be counted in the word requirement?
Answer: You may leave the references out of the abstract to save space. These can be included in the formal poster.

Question: May I mail or fax in my abstract?
Answer: No. All abstracts must be submitted using the abstract submission page. If your abstract contains special characters that cannot be typed into the form, you may include a link to a Web version of your abstract.

Question: The research I wish to present was done over the summer at an independent research laboratory and is not one of the institutions listed. How should I submit my abstract?
Answer: List the school you are enrolled in as your institution. You should mention the host facility in your abstract and presentation.

Question: My research mentor is an MD/PhD student completing doctoral research. Does this person qualify as my faculty mentor? Or should I list the name of the faculty member who runs the lab I work in?
Answer: The faculty member who runs the lab, not a MD/PhD student, should be listed as the mentor.

Question: Can I present a paper in Spanish from a course on Spanish or Latin American literatures?
Answer: Yes. A presentation can be given in Spanish, but the abstract should be written in English. Please indicate in your abstract that the talk will be given in Spanish so attendees will know.

Question: Should I write my abstract for nonscientists or for scientists in my field? In other words, should I assume that the reviewer is familiar with relevant terminology?
Answer: Your abstract will be reviewed by faculty with expertise in your field. After your abstract has been accepted, you should consider planning your presentation to be understood by audience members who don’t have the same depth of knowledge. They may be genuinely interested in your research but not have the same background.

Question: Can I revise my abstract once it is submitted?
Answer: No. Depending on the outcome of the review process, you may be asked to revise after the review. That information will be shared upon abstract decision notification.

Question: I submitted my abstract without consulting my faculty mentor or research coordinator in advance. Can my abstract be withdrawn? Once I have their approval, will I be able to resubmit before the deadline?
Answer: You may withdraw your abstract at any time. There will be a menu option to do so upon logging into the submission portal. You may submit a new abstract provided you do so before the posted deadline.

Question: Are students who attend two-year colleges allowed to present at NCUR 2024?
Answer: Absolutely, we highly encourage students who attend two-year colleges to apply for NCUR.

Question: Can there be more than one submission per university or college?
Answer: Yes. Most universities or colleges send multiple students to NCUR each year.

Question: Is a faculty letter of recommendation required to be considered for NCUR?
Answer: No. It is assumed that when the faculty mentor’s contact information is provided that they approve of the submission. When the abstract is submitted, the faculty mentor will receive an e-mail indicating the submission.

Question: How selective is NCUR? I would like to know the approximate percentage of abstracts accepted in recent years to help demonstrate the high quality of work presented at NCUR to administrators at my university.
Answer: Typically, 80-90% of the abstracts submitted are accepted each year.

Question: Once my abstract is accepted, is there a deadline for withdrawing my abstract prior to the conference?
Answer: There is no formal deadline for withdrawing your abstract. If you plan to withdraw, please let us know as soon as you can so we can adjust the schedule. Please email ncur@cur.org with your request to withdraw your abstract.

Question: Do faculty members/advisors have to accompany student presenters to the conference?
Answer: No. Students usually travel as part of a group from a school.

Question: How many co-presenters are allowed per submission?
Answer: Each submission can contain a primary presenter and up to two co-presenters.

Question: What is the difference between the author line and co-presenters?
Answer: The author line includes individuals you would like to credit associated with your abstract (not all authors need to be attending presenters). The Primary presenter should be listed first followed by co-presenters and then any other contributor(s) you would like to credit (e.g. mentor, etc.). Co-presenters listed are those who will register and attend the conference to present alongside the primary presenter.

Question: If I am a co-presenter, should I also submit a separate copy of the abstract?
Answer: No, please only have one person submit the abstract. Duplicate abstracts will not be accepted for the same group of presenters.

Presentation Format Guidelines

Question: What are the Presentation Format Guidelines?
Answer: Descriptions of available presentation formats can be found on the Submit an Abstract Page or within the online submission form.

Question: Will there be any form of session judging and/or awards given out to participants who excel in their given session?
Answer: No, this is not typically done; however, we sometimes have some sponsors who provide awards.

Question: My research outcome and focus changed from my original abstract and now they are no longer in line. Is it possible to submit a new, updated abstract?
Answer: If you wish to create a new submission you will need to withdraw your original submission and re-submit your new abstract prior to the posted submission deadline. You will have a menu option to withdraw upon logging into the submission system.

Question: May I give both an oral and poster presentation?
Answer: You may if it is on different data or results. Typically, the same results are not presented twice at the same conference.

Question: If I am giving an Oral Presentation, is a PowerPoint mandatory? And is it OK if I go under the 15 minutes time allotted before opening it up for questions?
Answer: No, you do not have to use PowerPoint. The 15 minutes is the maximum time; you can certainly take less time.

Question: For students presenting posters, can they mail them in advance rather than trying to take them on a plane?
Answer: We do not have space to store posters, but you could check to see if you can mail the posters to your hotel.

Question: What, if any, is the dress code for student presenters?
Answer: There is no dress code, but good advice would be to dress casually and professionally. You do not need to be as formal as wearing a suit and tie or dress. But sweats or torn jeans would likely distract from your presentation. Also, a tip to the wise: Wear sensible shoes and check the local weather.

Question: What will be the registration fees for NCUR 2024?
Answer: Registration fees are tied to institutional CUR membership. See the register page.

Registration/Costs

Question: What will be the registration fees for NCUR 2024?
Answer: Registration fees are tied to institutional CUR membership. See the register page for additional information.

Question: What are the mentor's responsibilities? Do they need to apply, as well? Are they required to pay a fee even if they aren't going with the applicant?
Answer: The mentor does not need to go to NCUR with the student. However, if the mentor attends NCUR they will need to register for the conference.

Question: What does registration include?
Answer: Registration includes access to the pre-conference training series, motivational plenary speakers, special faculty-led sessions, student research presentations, a future fair, and a party on the plaza. Not included in the registration fees are incidental expenses, additional meals, travel costs, hotel costs, or excursion costs. Conference-provided food will include a light breakfast option on April 9-10, 2024 and a light reception on April 9, 2024. There will be an option to add a ticketed lunch ($12 per day) on April 9-10, 2024 when completing the registration. All other meals are on your own. Concessions will be open at the Convention Center and there will be nearby restaurant and food truck options.

Question: Can I mail or fax in the conference registration form?
Answer: No. Registration will only be processed through our website.

Question: What is the deadline to register?
Answer: Early registration will be available from Jan.11-31, 2024. Regular registration opens February 1, 2024 and closes on March 1, 2024. Conference registration fees may be paid using a credit card, or check.

Question: What is the deadline to pay for registration?
Answer: Full payment for all registrations is due no later than March 13, 2024. Even if your abstract has been accepted, you will not be issued a registration badge or put into the program until full payment has been received. We are NOT able to accept late registration payments.

Question: If I am a co-presenter and someone else has submitted the abstract, do I still need to register for NCUR?
Answer: Yes. All presenters and co-presenters must register for NCUR 2024 to be eligible to attend and present.

Question: If we fail to register before March 1, 2024, and pay before March 13, 2024, then are we automatically out of the conference?
Answer: Even if your abstract has been accepted, you will not be issued a registration badge or put into the program until registration is complete by March 1, 2024 and full payment has been issued by March 13, 2024. We are not able to accept late registration payments.

Question: How can we notify NCUR if we are unable to come?
Answer: If you cannot attend, please contact us as soon as possible at ncur@cur.org.

Question: Is there any requirement that the student, the adviser, or the college be a member of CUR in order for the student to present at NCUR?
Answer: No, there is not a CUR membership requirement for anyone on the abstract to submit or attend NCUR. However, registration fees vary based on the membership level of the institution or individual.

Question: Are faculty mentors required to register for NCUR 2024?
Answer: Faculty mentors who wish to participate in NCUR 2024 will need to register. Please see register page for more information.

Question: What are the cancellation policies for the conference?
Answer: CUR will honor cancellation requests and provide a refund, less a $50 processing fee, for all requests submitted in writing no later than March 8, 2024. No refunds will be permitted after March 8, 2024. Please submit cancellation requests in writing to NCUR@CUR.org.

Question: Can I mail or fax in the conference registration form?
Answer: No, registration will only be processed through our website. However, payment can be sent via check to the CUR National Office at the address below. Please reference the name of the individual(s) and the institution when sending in the payment:

Council on Undergraduate Research
Attn: NCUR Registration
PO Box 745993
Atlanta, GA 30374-5993

Overnight checks can be sent to:
Council on Undergraduate Research
600 Feldwood Rd
College Park, GA 30349

Question: If we fail to register and pay by the deadline, then are we automatically out of the conference?
Answer: Yes. You must register and pay the registration fee by the deadline in order to be included in the conference. We will not be able to accept late registration payments and will not have onsite registration.

Question: What payments are accepted for registration?
Answer: Accepted forms of payment for registration are credit card (via VISA, Mastercard, Discover and American Express) or check. Registration payment must be received in full by the posted deadline. If payment is not received by March 13, 2024, you will be removed from the conference program. Make checks payable to the Council of Undergraduate Research, please indicate NCUR in the “for” line.

Question: Are Purchase Orders (POs) accepted for NCUR 2024 registrations?
Answer: No. We are unable to accept purchase orders for NCUR 2024 registration payments. We will issue a standard invoice for all registrations submitted by individuals, and payment must be remitted in the form of check or credit card by March 13, 2024. Registrants for whom payment is not received by this deadline will be removed from the conference program.

Question: Will I be issued a registration badge?
Answer: Registration badges will be issued for all registered participants.

Question: Where can I get my registration badge?
Answer: Participants may pick up their registration badges at conference check-in times. See the agenda page for additional details on dates and times.

Question: What if I lose my registration badge?
Answer: Since your registration badge is needed for all aspects of the conference, we recommend you do not lose your badge. However, if you have an issue with a lost badge please report to attendee check-in.

Question: Can students who are not presenting at NCUR attend the conference as a learning experience?
Answer: Yes, registration is available for both presenting and non-presenting students.

Lodging, Transporation, and Meals

Question: What hotels are available in the Long Beach area?
Answer: You can see hotel options and information on making reservations on the Travel & Lodging page.

Question: Will there be a shuttle service from our hotel?
Answer: Shuttle service will not be provided.

Question: Are meals provided at the conference?
Answer: Conference-provided food will include a light breakfast option on April 9-10, 2024 and a light reception on April 9, 2024. There will be an option to add a ticketed lunch ($12 per day) on April 9-10, 2024 when completing the registration. All other meals are on your own. Concessions will be open at the Convention Center and there will be nearby restaurant and food truck options.

Invoicing Information for Campus Coordinators

Question: What is an NCUR Coordinator?
Answer: An NCUR Coordinator is a faculty advisor or institutional contact in charge of collecting and paying invoices (or being the point of contact to collect payment) for student registrations for NCUR. This person is normally your campus’ research office director or undergraduate research program director. In the absence of such an individual, it may be a faculty member who has been designated with the task of overseeing a cohort of students attending NCUR. If there is not a designated cohort of students, this may simply be the faculty mentor.

Question: I am receiving information about being a coordinator and am no longer one or I need to add an additional coordinator. How can I change this?
Answer: If you believe another individual from your institution should be listed as the NCUR coordinator (or as an additional NCUR coordinator) please email ncur@cur.org as soon as possible to let us know. Further email communications about invoicing and payment are dependent upon us having the correct person listed.

Question: What is the registration/invoicing timeline?
Answer: Students who have been accepted to present at NCUR 2024 have been instructed that they need to register for the conference. They are aware that if their institution will be paying for their registration that they are to select “Bill Me” upon registering. The registration rate due will be dependent upon when a student registers as well as the student's membership type.

Jan. 31, 2024: Early-bird rate deadline
Mid-February 2024: All invoices will be sent to institutions for payment.
March 1, 2024: Registration Closes

Question: What happens if our institution does not pay by March 13, 2024?
Answer: A submitted registration form with no corresponding payment after March 13, 2024, is not considered a complete registration and will result in the registrant(s) being dropped from the conference.

Question: Can I request an invoice prior to mid-February 2024?
Answer: Yes. We will send specific instructions and options for invoice payment when we issue the invoice mid-February, 2024. If you’d like an invoice sooner or would like to pay for a group of registrants before February, please let us know. Please note this only works when students have already registered. If no registration can be found for a particular student, they will need to log into their account and register before you can generate an invoice or pay for their registration.