About UReCA: The NCHC Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity

Our vision is an academic community without borders, a connected network of student scholars committed to the advancement of knowledge and appreciation of the arts.

Our mission is to curate and publish excellent, peer-reviewed academic and creative work by undergraduate students, fostering intellectual exchange and providing a platform where students can engage with and contribute to the advancement of their fields.

UReCA is sponsored by the National Collegiate Honors Council and is currently managed, edited, and produced by a team of interdisciplinary undergraduate honors students from every NCHC region. Our annual issue is published in November and is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate students, both national and international. Though diverse, we share a common goal: the production of a prestigious national journal for students, by students. You may visit the journal here.

The deadline for submission to 2025's 10 year anniversary issue is September 1, 2025. We accept submissions on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Student Editorship Positions

For those students who wish to be a part of the publication process, UReCA offers yearly student editorship positions. The journal seeks to recruit a number of Associate Editors with diverse academic backgrounds from universities across the United States. 

Associate Editors are responsible for peer-reviewing creative and research submissions that the journal receives, providing helpful feedback and revision suggestions to authors. They work with the Production Team to develop and maintain the journal throughout the academic year, culminating in the publication of the journal each November. Associate Editors also hold positions on committees that contribute to the success of the journal in various ways. 

In the past, students have enjoyed the unique work and experience that UReCA offers them:

"Working with UReCA has been incredible. I am amazed at the ways students are making interventions in their respective disciplines. My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner." - Jhédienne Adams

"UReCA gave me new perspectives on not only undergraduate research, including my own, but on what it means to be on a team of like-minded individuals all promoting the ideals of a liberal arts education." - Meagan Carmack

In order to apply, students must be pursuing their undergraduate degrees and be enrolled in an honors program or college that is a member of NCHC. The strongest of applicants will have relevant research or editorial experience and will demonstrate sufficient knowledge relevant to their field of study. Those students who are selected will serve for the duration of one academic year with the opportunity to return upon invitation. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2025.

As part of the editorial experience, a four-day editorial camp at a national park is required (location determined annually). This is usually held during the first week of June.

FAQs

Who is eligible to submit work?

Currently enrolled undergraduate students may submit their work. 

Who can apply to be an Associate Editor?

Undergraduates from NCHC Member Institutions will be considered for the position of Associate Editor.

Can pieces be co-authored with faculty members?

Pieces can have collaborators who are other undergraduate students.

Do Associate Editors get paid?

Unfortunately, we do not have the funding to pay our Associate Editors. However, the summer Editorial Retreat is completely covered by NCHC – meals, local travel, lodging, and $900 toward airfare. 

When will I learn of my acceptance?

Submissions are reviewed by our journal editors on a rolling basis, and most will hear of their submission's status in September or October, after the September 1 deadline.

What ensures a great submission?

In short, exciting, well-written, and timely work! A few things that will keep your submission from being disqualified, though, are: removing any identifying information (including names on headers and page numbers), staying under 7,500 words (approx. 15 pages single-spaced), and completing your artist statement when applicable.