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Julia D'Rozario works on research project

Student Office of Research and Creative Activities

Student Office of Research and Creative Activities (Student ORCA) helps students engage in scholarly and creative activities (SCA) by organizing SCA events and providing guidance to obtain funding for the completion of projects and activities. 

Scholarly and creative activities (SCA) include, but are not limited to:

  • Investigating a historic event
  • Composing or arranging music
  • Designing a computer program or creating a website for a special purpose or group
  • Creating a sculpture or painting
  • Planning and implementing an experiment in a science laboratory
  • Working on a study outdoors
  • Developing a marketing or management plan for a local organization
  • Gathering data on people’s experiences or opinions

Student ORCA runs three annual SCA events: Quest, Summer Scholars' Mixer, and the Fall SCA Poster Symposium. ORCA also advises students on how to obtain funding for the completion of projects and activities and for travel to present the results of their SCA.

For Faculty

Getting involved with undergraduate research and individualized student experiences has many benefits to faculty. Mentoring students in individualized research and scholarly activities is one of the most exciting and rewarding types of teaching. These unique experiences clearly benefit the student taking them beyond classroom learning to participating in real-world applications. These mutually beneficial experiences can also contribute to ongoing faculty research and scholarly agendas by providing support and fresh perspectives. 

Mentoring requires energy and resources; however, numerous funding sources are specifically in place to support this type of research. Please recognize that the mentor support letters are an important aspect of student grants.

Students: How to Get Started

  1. Go to your departmental website and explore what kind of scholarly and creative work faculty are doing. Starting on your own is challenging in your field, given that you do not know the most current literature, but the professors in the area certainly do. Learn who does what. Find your department on this directory.
  2. Select at least three professors that work in your area of interest. Read some of the faculty's most recent publications. Remember, you may not find a perfect match but participating in research develops many transferable skills.
  3. Contact the professor, and note what you have done so far, documenting your strong interest in their work. Ensure that your email is professional and without mistakes. Get writing assistance from the Office of Learning Services or use Grammarly to check your writing. If the papers are over your head, that's good. Ask questions, express willingness to learn, and work hard. Include your resume if you have one. Note that you are willing to apply for local grants to get funding for such work.
  4. You might have to repeat this a few times until you find someone who has the willingness, time, and money to do research involving students and is impressed by your diligence.
  5. Consider discussing this subject with your academic mentor and ask how that is handled in your department. E.g., participating in a band, a creative class, or an in-class project could be an excellent start. An academic mentor would also know who in the department is actively engaged in such activities.
  6. See about available funding for your creative work. This office also provides funds for travel to events, such as conferences or shows, where you could present your accomplishments.

Contact Us

[email protected]

360 Shineman
SUNY Oswego
Oswego, NY 13126