FAQ's

Can I take UROP for work-study and credit?

No. You must choose to take UROP as either work-study or credit, but not both. It is illegal to be compensated for university research in more than one way. 

Can I take UROP for only one term?

UROP is designed to be a year long program. Thus, students should plan ahead to include UROP in both their fall and winter schedules. Special circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis.

How much do I get paid?

UROP work study students in their first year of research receive $8.50 an hour, while second year participants receive $9.00 per hour.

How many hours can I work per week to meet my Work-Study award allotment?

You can calculate the number of hours per week you should work by dividing your work-study award by the hourly pay rate you will be paid. The answer will be the total hours you need to work throughout the semester to earn your award. Divide this number by the number of weeks in the semester. This is the number of hours you are able to work per week. Most Work-Study students work 8-12 hours per week.  You may not work extra hours just to earn a little more money.  Work-study students may not work more than 15 hours per week.

How is my grade determined?

For credit students:  At the end of each term, the faculty advisor will evaluate your work and give you a grade. This constitutes 80% of the grade that appears on your transcript; your peer advisor determines the other 20%.

For work study students:  You grade is based on your research seminar participation and assignments.  Your UROP Peer Advisor will evaluate your work and effort and assign your grade.

What if I can't attend a research seminar?

Attendance at research seminars is mandatory.  Each peer advisor has a policy for attendance at seminars. Contact your PA as far ahead of time if you will be unable to attend an individual seminar.  If you have a conflict that prevents you from attending all research seminars during the seminar, you should talk with the Director or Assistant Director of UROP for guidance.

How many credits can I earn for UC 280 / ENGR 280?

The number of credits you will register for is based on the hours you work per week on your research project. For each three hours per week that you work, you will earn 1 credit hour. The maximum number of credits you can register for per term is 4 credits, the minimum is 2. Most UROP students earn 2 or 3 hours of UROP credit per term.

What is the maximum number of credits I can earn for UC 280 / ENGR 280?

Students can earn a maximum of 8 credit hours for participation in UROP. Most students do not earn more than 8 hours of UC 280 / ENGR 280 credit unless they are participating in UROP for a second year. If you have already earned your 8 hours of credit and you do not have Work-Study funding, talk with your Peer Advisor or UROP professional staff to determine how to earn academic credit for future work on the research project.

What if I start work on my project late?

Students who get a late start on their research project (after the first month of the new term) will need to work extra hours to make up for the lost time.  Check your UROP Student Handbook about the total hours you will need to work during the semester to earn the number of credits for which you have registered.  Your Peer Advisor can also help you determine how to set your schedule to work the required number of hours.

How do I make an appointment with my peer advisor?

Students should use the UROP Appointing Scheduling System to make appointments to meet with Peer Advisors.   If you experience difficulty using this System call the UROP Office at 734 615-9000 to set-up an appointment.  Sometimes peer advisors will set up appointments at the end of research peer group meetings, so check with your peer advisor regarding this. 

What should I do if I don't like my project?

There are several options for you in this situation. First, talk to your peer advisor about why you are not having a good experience. Next, talk with your faculty advisor about ways to make the project more interesting for you. For example: would you like more/different tasks, more/less group work? If you are not comfortable talking with your faculty advisor, your peer advisor can assist you in getting over your anxiety or by acting as a mediator. Finally, if the problem cannot be solved, you might be able to switch to a different project at the end of the term.

How do I get feedback from my faculty advisor?

Faculty advisors are required to fill out midterm progress reports, but you may want more feedback on a regular basis. Talk to your faculty advisor about setting up regular meetings (maybe once a week/biweekly) to discuss your progress. These meetings should help you understand what your faculty advisor's expectations are and how you can improve your research skills.

When and where are work-study timesheets due?

You must submit your work study timesheets to the UROP office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the designated due dates in order to be paid on corresponding pay dates. We need original timesheets: copies and faxes will not be processed. See Work Study Timesheet Due Dates for complete information.

Do I have to turn in timesheets if I am doing UROP for academic credit?

Yes, you should turn in signed academic credit timesheets every two weeks to log the hours you have worked on your research project. See Credit Timesheet Due Dates.

What if there is a problem with my paycheck?

Students can view the status of their paychecks (hours, amounts, distribution, dates, taxes, etc) on Wolverine Access under Student Business>/View Checks.  Further questions on work-study paycheck issues should be directed to the UROP Office.

What if I want to quit UROP?

You may quit UROP, but we ask that you follow our Withdrawal Procedures. First we ask that you meet with your UROP Peer Advisor to discuss your reasons for dropping UROP.  Next we ask that you complete the UROP Withdrawal Form (available in the UROP Office). Complete withdrawal procedures are described in the UROP Student Handbook.

If I drop UROP now, can I rejoin next year?

If you are a first year student, you will be able to apply to UROP for your sophomore year. However, UROP will not guarantee you a place.

Can I do UROP in the summer?

UROP does not offer students part time research placements for pay or credit except for unusual circumstances. The approval of spring/summer work is done on a case by case basis through the UROP Office.  Students may apply for UROP summer fellowships which pay a stipend for students to conduct three months of full time research. For details see: UROP Summer Fellowships

What if I have other questions?

Your UROP peer advisor is an excellent source of information. He or she can also direct you to appropriate campus resources. Your UROP Student Handbook includes all of UROP’s procedures and policies for students.   If you have other questions, stop by the UROP Officeat 1190 Undergraduate Science Bldg (USB) for assistance.