(by David Zaziski, Society of Physics Students President 1997-98, from the Feb 23, 1998 SPS Newsletter)

One of the greatest strengths that the University of Michigan offers undergraduates is the opportunity to conduct research. Freshman or senior, the earlier you begin your research career, the better. A research position gives you excellent experience and a great recommendation for graduate school admission or for future employment. Your time commitment can vary from professor to professor depending on your appointment. Research appointments can be for credit (Physics 415) or for pay, either from the professor's budget or sponsored by the department. During the summer, you can apply for an REU-funded position.

Here are three simple recommended steps to land a research position:

1. Obtain a copy of the Physics Graduate Study Bulletin which describes research conducted by the U-M physics faculty. You can find a copy in the SPS office in 365 West Hall, or you can ask in the Physics Department Student Services Office in 2464 Randall Lab.
   

2. Make a note of professors whose work interests you. Knock on the professor's office door and say you're interested in their work and would like to work with them.
   

3. Sometimes the professor you choose will be unable financially to support you. In that case you can offer to work for credit (this can lead to future pay when the professor has support!). In some cases, the professor may already have enough researchers in his or her group but hey, don't fear, this is the magic of U-M--there is always another professor's door you can knock on near by.

Q: Does my introductory lab meet on the first day of class?
A: For Winter semester 2006, Introductory Lab courses (127, 128, 141, and 241) begin on Monday, January 9th.

Q: I took an AP Credit examination and the AP credit doesn't appear on my student record.
A: You may need to meet with a concentration advisor to schedule an appointment. Please refer to the University of Michigan AP guidelines to see whether or not an advising appointment is required. If you still have questions or you need to make an appointment, contact Student Services.

Q: I received a permission (override) to enroll in a class, but I just checked my schedule and the class isn't there.
A: Did you register for the class? An electronic permission gives you permission to register for the class. It does not automatically enroll you. You must register for the class within 24 hours of receiving electronic permission from Student Services. If it's been longer than 24 hours since you received your permission, you should contact Student Services immediately.

Q: I need to get into a discussion section (or lab) and the one I want is full. I NEED this class. What do I do?
A: First, are there open sections that will fit into your schedule? If so, register. We are typically able to find a class for you, but you need to be flexible. If there are no open sections, you need to get on the waitlist for a class. Once on the waitlist you might receive an email from Student Services. If so, the email will tell you that you were given a permission to register for the class and that you should do so within a given amount of time. If you don't receive an email from Student Services then you should attend the first day of the waitlisted class. The instructor may be able to give you permission to enroll. If you aren't able to get into class after the first day, then go to Student Services. The staff there will do what they can to help you find a class.