What would you like to achieve within your research?

When working with undergraduate students for research, you should consider:

What is their contribution to the research/project/activities being performed?

  • Will it largely be preparation and background information for the research?
  • Will it involve required training?
  • Will it involve an analysis?
  • Are there opportunities for publications and/or presentations?

How many hours will you need their help?

Would you like to mentor them or provide them with mentorship opportunities?

  • Can they go to you for letters of recommendation?
  • Questions about additional degrees/education or work experience?

How many students would you like to work with?

Consider the possibility that this could be an opportunity for many students to learn:

  • Would having multiple undergraduate opinions or perspectives working with you and your team be helpful?
  • Are there enough tasks that require more than one undergraduate who can (most of the time) contribute 8 - 10 hours per week?

Training more than one student can be beneficial. It ensures that if students decide that their interests have changed, you still have a student who is taught. Finding for a collaborative project can be found here.

How would you like to compensate your students?

Providing compensation through different outlets can help students represent their work on their transcript and/or resume!

  • Financial Compensation: providing students with hourly compensation 
  • Academic Credit: students register for a URES course that can be 0 to 4 credit hours OR apply for a fellowship where their work can be recognized on their transcript & boos their GPA. It is also often a requirement of University Honors or Honors within the Major. NOTE: One credit hour per semester is equal to 3 hours of work per week on a research project. 
  • Transcript Recognition: students ‘volunteer’ their time, but can register for the Office of Undergraduate Research URES:3392 course where their involvement can be noted on their transcript. 
  • Paid & Credit: registering for a course that can provide credit, then any hours that they are not receiving credit for they can receive compensation.