UROP Fall-Winter Program Components and Expectations
Every UROP student will work on a research project under the guidance of a UROP Research mentor from 6-12 hours per week depending upon the specific project selected. The research mentor may be a faculty member, community organization, a postdoctoral scholar or a graduate student. The research project is the core of the program and we encourage you to select your project very carefully. Whether you are participating in the program for academic credit or work study your performance on the research will be a critical factor of your UROP grade.
All UROP students are required to participate in mandatory research seminars designed to provide information about research in your field or discipline and cover topics that will enhance your research knowledge and experience. These topics should provide a context for your individual project as well valuable information to guide you through the research process from finding a project to presenting your research at the end of the year symposium. The seminars are facilitated by Peer Facilitators who are UROP alumni. You will be required to complete short readings and written assignments for these seminars. This component of the program will factor into your grade and your Peer Facilitator will assign the grade. Details about specific seminar dates and assignments can be found in the UROP Syllabus.
Our UROP Research mentors do not expect you to have all the skills you need to complete the tasks for the projects, but they do expect you to acquire these skills as you proceed throughout the year. Every research mentor was asked to indicate as part of their project description the workshops you should take to be able to work effectively on your project. Please make a note of these workshops once you get your project and also have a conversation with your mentor about what workshops will be helpful for you to take. While you will not receive a grade for the “research skill building workshops” you may not be able to do aspects of your project without taking the workshops needed for the project. In some cases (e.g. Laboratory Safety) you cannot begin working on your project without certification that you have completed this workshop. You will however be able to count the hours you are in the workshops toward your hours per week.
Employees and students engaged in research and scholarship across U-M will be required to complete expanded training about responsible conduct in research and scholarship. The updated Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship course will be available Aug. 1 and must be completed.
Every UROP student is assigned a Peer Facilitator who will help you find a project, develop your resume, meet with you monthly to make sure you are having a good research experience, help to resolve any issues that arise, and provide guidance on academics, time management, research roles, etc. Your Peer Facilitator is an important resource and they can help you have a great UROP experience and link you with important research and academic resources.
Schedule a Monthly Meeting with Your Peer Facilitator
You are required to attend multiple individual meetings with your peer facilitator each term. Individual meetings will last 15-20 minutes. The meetings are an opportunity for us to discuss your project, your experience in UROP, and any questions or concerns you may have. Details about monthly meetings can be found in the UROP syllabus.
UROP wants to ensure that our students have access to as many resources to make their year as successful as possible. To access University-wide and UROP Program specific resource click the button below that pertains to you!