FAQ's
How do I find a project?
You will find a project beginning in early September. UROP will provide you with a list of active projects. You will contact sponsors to request an interview.
Why can't I register on Wolverine Access?
Registration is by permission. You will register when you have found a project and have submitted your UROP Learning Contract. UROP will provide you with instructions to register.
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 most beneficial to students who participate both Fall and Winter terms. Accepting your UROP admissions offer is should be based on your willingness to commit to participation for the entire year. 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: Your research sponsor will evaluate your work and give you a grade. This grade will count for 80% of the grade that appears on your transcript; your peer advisor determines the other 20%.
For work study students: Your grade is based on your research seminar participation and assignments. Your UROP Peer Advisor will evaluate your work and effort and assign 80% of your grade. Your research sponsor's evaluation will account for 20% of your final 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. If you have a recurring conflict with the UROP seminar then you may have to withdraw from UROP.
How many credits can I earn for UC 280 / ENGR 280?
Credit students must register for 2 to 4 credits per term. 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.
Work study students will register for 1 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. If you have earned 8 credit for UROP 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 to determine the total hours you will need to work during the semester to earn the number of credits for which you have registered. Consult with your Peer Advisor and your research supervisor to set up a work schedule to earn your required hours.
What should I do if I don't like my project?
There are several options for you in this situation so be sure to speak up. 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. Refer to your Student Handbook for Work Study Timesheet Due Dates. A chart is also posted in the UROP Office.
Do I have to turn in timesheets if I am doing UROP for academic credit?
Yes, signed academic credit timesheets are required every two weeks to log the hours you have worked on your research project. Refer to your Student Handbook for 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, though early withdrawal may result in an unsatisfactory grade. Requests to withdraw are reviewed on a case by case basis. 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 Spring and/or 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 Office at 1190 Undergraduate Science Bldg (USB) for assistance.
