The URS program has two parts: research or creative practice with a URS Mentor, and a weekly seminar (class), INTER-LS 250: Undergraduate Research Experience.
In the seminar, we explore research and creative practices in a way that combines the sciences, human society and culture, education, philosophy, the arts, public policy, and more. URS Scholars consider different dimensions, including the relationship between research/creative practice and topics like effective communication, current events, ethical practices in research and the arts, and how research in different disciplines intersect (an interdisciplinary approach).
About 20 URS Scholars, mixing different academic areas and with different research/creative practice projects, are grouped into separate seminars which all take place at the same time:
WEDNESDAYS • 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm weekly
BOTH Fall and Spring semesters
Thoughtfully speaking, actively listening
URS seminars are very participatory, and each one focuses on a different topic. Before each seminar, you will read and take notes on articles and other scholarly sources on your own. During seminar, the idea is that you learn from your discussion with other students in the room.
Each week, you and your small group will deeply examine bold ideas, perspectives, and fields of study. You hear what others have to say and add your own views and understanding. This group conversation, the community, and its impact on you is one way that being a URS Scholar is different from other research opportunities at UW-Madison.
Fellows
Each seminar is led by two URS Fellows— undergraduate peer mentors who were recently URS Scholars. They are trained to spark discussion and create an engaging space for learning and collaboration. Fellows support you by sharing their experiences and helping you grow as an early researcher or artist. They foster connections as you adjust to campus and build an interdisciplinary community.
Undergraduate Symposium
In April, all URS Scholars present about their URS projects at this all-campus showcase. Over 900 students display their research, creative-practice, and service-learning work in a professional setting: ugradsymposium.wisc.edu
The URS seminar will help you prepare to present at the Symposium by: giving you multiple opportunities to practice, sharing feedback on your presentation materials, hosting workshops with campus colleagues, and providing a supportive community.
Class credit
Students who complete INTER-LS 250 will earn standard UW–Madison course credit each semester, depending on the number of weekly work hours their URS project requires.
In addition to spending about one hour per week preparing for seminar, you will commit to:
1 to 3 hours of project work per week = 1 credit per semester
4 to 6 hours = 2 credits (most common; when you enroll in the seminar you will select 2 credits to start)
7 to 10 hours = 3 credits per semester
URS Scholars do not earn an hourly wage for any part of the URS program, with an exception for some students eligible for Federal Work Study.