All students should be recognized for their research.

Information on how to register your research

Some students feel experience is enough compensation. Others prefer to be paid. Many students do research for academic credit. This page guides you through your options.

 

Research Courses

Departmental Courses

Many departments offer research/creative study courses for majors. Talk to an academic advisor to determine the appropriate course. 

OUR Independent Study Courses

OUR offers research courses each semester, available for registration through MyUI. Students and mentors should agree on an appropriate number of credit hours and grading expectations prior to registration.

  • Note: According to University of Iowa Guidelines, 1 semester hour of credit is equal to approximately three hours of research work per week.  Please register accordingly. 

URES:3991 is a 0-semester hour academic year course evaluated R/W (Registered/Withdrawn) and does not affect GPA.  This course provides transcript verification of a student's participation in research during the semester. 

URES:3992 is a 0-semester hour summer course evaluated R/W (Registered/Withdrawn) and does not affect GPA.  This course provides transcript verification of a student's participation in research during the semester. 

Students should register for URES:3991 or URES:3992 if they:

  • Are volunteering in a research position.
  • Are being paid but want to track their engagement.
  • Are looking to have transcript recognition of their research.

URES:3993 can be taken for 1-4 semester hours, meaning extra tuition and fees may be applicable where appropriate.  This course is graded S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) and does not affect GPA.

URES:3994 can be taken for 1-4 semester hours, meaning extra tuition and fees may be applicable where appropriate.  This course is graded on an A-F basis and does affect GPA.

 

Compensation

For many students, volunteering or getting course credit may not be a viable option. This often creates issues of inequity for very valuable experiential learning opportunities. Not all research positions are able to offer financial compensation. If you are a student who needs financial compensation in a research experience where no funding is available, ask your mentor if they are willing to help you find your own funding. Here are some funds available to UI students: