The Glasscock Undergraduate Summer Scholars (UGSS) Program is supported by the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research (GCHR), the University Writing Center (UWC), and LAUNCH Undergraduate Research. The program expands undergraduate research in the humanities by providing an intensive summer research experience in which students are introduced to important research questions, trained in methods of research and analysis, and guided in the development of critical thinking, independent learning, and communications skills. 

Summer scholars enroll in a two-week intensive seminar taught by their respective Faculty Directors. During the seminar, groups of 2-5 students are immersed in a focused topic and develop a research question that they continue to investigate under the mentorship of their Faculty Directors for the remaining 8 weeks of the summer. Students attend 8 weeks of writing workshops created especially for this program through the University Writing Center on a variety of topics.

Following the end of the writing workshops, students will develop individual research thesis proposals to the LAUNCH Undergraduate Research Scholars thesis program for projects that they will complete during the academic year under the guidance of their Faculty Director. Students will receive a $2,000 scholarship for participation. At the conclusion of the program, students will publish their theses either in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Capstone Collection or a scholarly journal. Additionally, students are encouraged to present their research at academic conferences, research symposia, and serve as ambassadors for undergraduate research. Participation in UGSS sharpens students’ research and writing skills, positioning them for competitive applications for graduate and professional school.

Learn about last year's program here.

Faculty Directors

• Be full-time faculty at Texas A&M University, either Tenure-Track, Tenured, or Academic Professional Track
• Recruit 2-5 students to participate in your seminar
• Develop a seminar syllabus
• Hold a 2-week seminar between May 13 and May 31, 2024 with 40 contact hours
• Open the seminar as a course in your department (as a 485 or 491, for example)
• Facilitate student applications to the LAUNCH Undergraduate Research thesis program
• Work with your students throughout the academic year to complete their thesis papers
• Complete reports to the Center on your activities and suggestions for program improvement

Undergraduate Summer Scholars

• Qualify for participation in the LAUNCH Undergraduate Research thesis program (note that UGSS do not need to have senior status to participate)
• Participate in the 2-week seminar
• Participate in the writing studios 
• Produce and submit a proposal to the LAUNCH Undergraduate Research thesis program
• Write a thank-you note to Melbern and Susanne Glasscock for the scholarship
• Complete the LAUNCH Undergraduate Research thesis program, including all deadlines and activities
• Complete reports to the Center on your activities and suggestions for program improvement

Faculty Directors

• Receive $5,000 in bursary or non-fringe salary
• Experiment with new research topics, methods, and/or pedagogical approaches
• Share your research with a small cohort of undergraduate students
• Mentor undergraduate students in original humanities research projects
• Give undergraduate students insight into and skills to complete graduate-level work

Undergraduate Summer Scholars 

• Receive a $2,000 scholarship to help allay the costs of summer tuition and other research-related expenses
• Learn how to develop a focused research question
• Establish a professional network of faculty and students
• Earn a university-level honors transcript distinction along with a URS medallion as official graduation regalia
• Produce a publishable thesis
• Become more competitive applicants for graduate or professional schools, fellowships, and grants