The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) works to unite the undergraduate research community, seeking to communicate the impact of undergraduate research; equip students, faculty, staff, and administrators with the tools for success; and provide undergraduate research to more students – particularly those from underserved populations. CUR began in 1978 as a small group of chemistry faculty at US private, liberal arts institutions, but it has evolved over time into an organization with more than 13,000 members on 900 campuses worldwide. CUR’s growth largely occurred because of its dedication to including a wide range of voices, different perspectives, and the challenges of changing circumstances. The work presented here reflects those values. By assembling lessons learned from students and faculty mentors in multifaceted academic environments, we can improve our knowledge of successful initiatives, adapt them to different settings, and appreciate the richness of diverse experiences in the undergraduate research community.