History

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship (OURCS) was formally developed in July 2008. The idea was initiated after Cal Lutheran was accepted into the Council on Undergraduate Research workshop program on Institutionalizing Undergraduate Research which was held in February 2008. The faculty team consisted of:

• Jose Marichal (Political Science)
• Michele LeBlanc (Exercise Science)
• Chrissy Soderlund (Mathematics)
• Grady Hanrahan (Chemistry)

The workshop resulted in the team developing an action plan that called for the University to establish an Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship (OURCS).

The team met with the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Provost, and President. Additionally, they presented their findings to the department chairs of the College of Arts and Sciences. Their concept was met with great enthusiasm.

While the terms "undergraduate research" are meant broadly to apply to the scholarly processes involved in all disciplines, the terms "creative scholarship" were added to the title of the office in July 2012 to more clearly communicate this meaning to all. The formation and support of OURCS is one of the 12 priority items designated by the President's Cabinet.