Michigan State University is celebrating the creativity, curiosity, and scholarly excellence of our undergraduate students at the 28th annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF), Friday, April 17, 2026. This year’s forum will include both in-person presentations at the Breslin Center on April 17 as well as online presentations.
UURAF highlights student research, scholarship, and creative work from undergraduates across disciplines and provides an opportunity for the campus community to engage with emerging scholars. Participants gain experience in presenting their research, answering questions about their work from audience members and guests, and receiving constructive feedback from judges.
For many students, the forum represents an important milestone in their academic journey, allowing them to refine their communication skills, reflect on their work, and receive feedback from faculty and staff.
Call for judges
In addition to attending, all faculty, staff, advisors, administrators, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students are invited to participate as judges. Judges play a critical role in the success of UURAF by providing constructive feedback to student presenters and helping ensure a meaningful and supportive experience for all participants. More than 300 judges are needed to meet the needs of UURAF’s participants.
What does judging look like for UURAF?
- Judges may serve as subject matter reviewers or general reviewers, wherever they feel most comfortable.
- Prior judging experience is not required, nor is special expertise—just curiosity, thoughtful engagement and a commitment to supporting students.
- Each judge will evaluate four to eight student presentations during a 1.5-hour session.
- In person judges may choose from four sessions offered throughout the day on Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., at the Breslin Center.
- Judges are also needed for online presentations, which can be reviewed asynchronously on Thursday and Friday.
The flexible in person and online formats allow faculty and academic staff to attend sessions, explore student projects, and participate in ways that best fit their schedules.
Serving as a UURAF judge also offers the opportunity to support undergraduate students at a pivotal point in their academic development, engage with innovative work occurring across the university, contribute to a culture of scholarly excellence, and take part in recognizing outstanding student achievement.
Interested in participating? Let the Undergraduate Research team know by completing this interest form by March 9. Judges will be contacted in late March to assign final time slots and categories. Questions about participation or judging may be directed to Brian Keas, director of Undergraduate Research, at bkeas@msu.edu.
We look forward to seeing you there!