How To Get Involved

Undergraduates and grad students in all majors and programs: enhance your degree through Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (RSCA). Get involved!

Fall Fair

• For undergrad and grad students in all programs!  
• Monday, September 15, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 
• Sign Up
• Can't make it? RSVP for followup info!

Student Club

A Student Research Club is starting this year.  Be a founding member!

1. Connect with a Faculty Mentor

Try not to be intimidated; faculty are here to help. Here's how to connect:

• Identify Your Interests
  Think about what interests you - something you're already familiar with or a discovery from the media or news. Also, be open minded about any projects that come your way.
• Find A Possibility
  Explore college and department websites to find faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.
• Reach Out
  Send a nice email, approach a faculty member after class, or go to office hours. You can also meet faculty at campus RSCA events.
  • Tip: Express your interests, goals, and why you want to work with them. Tell your story! Most faculty members at SJSU love working with students and are open to discussions about RSCA projects.
• Don't Give Up! Ask for Recommendations.
  If a faculty member is unavailable, don't be discouraged! Ask if they can recommend someone else. Keep trying! You may have to reach out to several faculty members before you find a good fit. 

2. Get Involved in RSCA Programs

Check in your department or program, as well as online, for opportunities specific to your area of study. Offerings from Office of Research and campuswide affiliates, for all programs:

• Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP)
• Look for field-specific programs in your College or Department!
• Student RSCA Fellowship (SRF)
• Student RSCA Competition (SRC)
• McNair Scholars Program
• Student Organizations in your area of interest
• Handshake is the campus internship and job database that includes research-related positions, across disciplines.

Digital Badge

Find tips for getting started in Student Research TRAC: Training for Researchers and Creators (on SJSU Canvas). Browse the content or hit Enroll to join discussions and complete knowledge checks for a digital badge.

3. Explore Outside of SJSU

This can be a great way to further your research interests and find funding:

• Check online for community and national fellowships and opportunities
• Get involved in groups and clubs that match your interests

4. Next Steps

• Follow Research and Innovation on social media to get notified about events, opportunities, and programs:
  • Instagram - @sjsu_research_innovation
  • LinkedIn
    
    
• Check out the flyer and information session below. Email us at officeofresearch@sjsu.edu with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!