Be a Volunteer Leader in CUR – Fall 2020 Nominations

CUR is able to fulfill its mission because of our volunteers! Are you passionate about undergraduate research? Would you like to get more involved? If so, here are the leadership opportunities we have available for our members. 

CUR Councilor

To nominate yourself for Councilor, you must have an active CUR membership, have a demonstrated commitment to CUR’s goals, and have the time and interest to serve the larger CUR community. Although most successful nominees for Councilor have been members for a minimum of three years, those new to the organization are also encouraged to run. It is the Council’s goal that the nominees fully represent the undergraduate research community and so attention is paid to diversity with respect to institutional type, area of specialization, identity, and geographic location.  Find out more about running for CUR Councilor>>

President-Elect – Executive Board

To nominate yourself for President-Elect, you must have completed at least one 3-year term as CUR Councilor and have an active CUR membership.  You should have prior service as division chair, as an officer on the Executive Board, or as another leadership role within CUR that has provided a broad perspective on the organization. You should be very familiar with current Council business, and be familiar with and prepared to provide leadership on CUR’s strategic plan and goal areas.  Find out more about running for President-Elect>>

General Representative – Executive Board

The Board seeks individuals who will bring fresh perspectives on how to advance who will bring fresh perspectives on how to advance CUR’s mission and strategic planning goals, including leadership for undergraduate research; diversity, equity, and inclusion; collaboration and community; advocacy and partnerships; sustainability and accountability.  

Candidates need not be members of CUR at the time of nomination but must have experience in public or private entities with missions aligned with that of CUR and become members if elected. Find out more about nominating someone to run for General Representative>>

Council Representative – Executive Board

To nominate yourself for Council Representative, you must be a current Councilor with an active CUR membership.  The typical nominee has completed at least one term as Councilor, has had prior leadership experience (either within CUR or on your own campus), and can demonstrate active participation in Council business.  Find out more about running for Council Representative>>

Treasurer – Executive Board

Candidates for Treasurer must be experienced with reading and evaluating budgets, which will be prepared by the Executive Officer.  Prior experience with management and oversight of budgets is desired.  The treasurer is an officer on the Executive Board and is expected to participate in all Board activities. A treasurer is elected every three years by members of the General Council to a three-year term. The next election will be in 2021, with nominations due by November 15, 2020. Find out more about running for Treasurer>>

Future Opportunities: 

Nominations Vetting Committee

Each year, at least one member of the Nominations Vetting Committee (NVC) is elected by members of the General Council. Nominees must be current CUR Councilors and remain so during their entire three-year term. Divisions without a continuing member may select one individual to stand for election each year. The next election will be held in August 2021, with nominations due in Spring 2021.


Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.

CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.