HAYS, Kan. -- Scholarly research and creativity at Fort Hays State University will be celebrated during Research and Creative Activities Week from April 26 to 30.

During the celebration, presentations by faculty and students provide an opportunity to learn about research occurring at FHSU as well as stimulate other researchers. The week is sponsored by FHSU's Research Environment Committee.

Instructors and professors are encouraged to incorporate the week (abbreviated RACAW, pronounced RAY-caw) into their classes by providing incentives to attend events, assigning written responses to presented information or requiring students to attend events instead of class.

A few new facets have been introduced for 2010, the sixth year.

"This is the first year we have offered the mentored category," said Dr. Connie Eigenmann-Malik, RACAW chair. "This is also the first year for the Undergraduate Research Experience."

The Undergraduate Research Experience, or URE, creates research partnerships between student and faculty researchers and scholars from all across campus. URE can introduce students to exciting research, scholarship and creative activities. One of the requirements of URE is that the research must be presented during RACAW.

As in previous years, a poster contest is scheduled for Wednesday. Research by faculty and staff form the basis for the posters. An online catalog of registered posters will be available on April 1.

Awards will be given for poster displays, which are divided into graduate and undergraduate; independent, or less that 20-percent faculty involvement; peer collaboration; and mentored, or more than 20-percent faculty involvement. There are also categories for teaching and research assistants; Undergraduate Research Experience submissions; and Kansas Academy of Math and Science students.

RACAW is not limited to research presentations and posters. Recitals, plays, visual displays, performances, shows, demonstrations, exhibitions and speeches reflect stimulating scholarship and are encouraged.

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For more information about RACAW or research at FHSU, visit the Web site at http://www.fhsu.edu/academic/research.