Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program @ the University of Illinois (URAP @ UI)
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and the Graduate College are partnering to offer an opportunity for first and second-year undergraduate students (including transfer students) to gain undergraduate research experience while working under the direct supervision of advanced graduate students. Beginning this Spring 2016, we will provide paid apprenticeships to 10 selected undergraduate students. Undergraduate apprentices will have an opportunity to conduct and learn the research process through a one-on-one research experience with their graduate student mentor. Students in the humanities, social sciences, and fine and applied arts are particularly encouraged to apply; however, we will accept applications from students in all disciplines.
WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING AS THERE IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BOTH WHERE TO APPLY, REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION, AND WHERE TO FIND GRADUATE MENTOR PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS, ETC.
Application is open to all registered freshman and sophomore students (both domestic and international); transfer students who are juniors may also apply . Students may apply through an online application available at the following link: go.illinois.edu/URAP_UG. As part of the application, students will provide a statement of interest that speaks to why they are interested in participating in URAP @ UI, rank their top 3 project choices, and provide a brief essay outlining why they have chosen those projects. Please read the project descriptions carefully. While these projects are meant for students with few or no research skills, participation in this pilot program does require diligence, enthusiasm and commitment. The list of graduate mentor projects, with descriptions, can be found here.
Deadline for applications is Friday, November 20, 2015. Finalists will meet with graduate student mentors between December 4 and December 15, with final selection being made by graduate mentors; undergraduate students will be notified by December 16th. This is a paid internship ($8.50/hour; up to 70 hours for the Spring 2016 semester); students must be able to work in the U.S. There are 10 projects available, one undergraduate student will be selected for each project.
Student researchers will be expected to attend 1-2 meetings per month with OUR staff, and will have the opportunity to present during Undergraduate Research Week.
Informational meetings are scheduled for Friday, November 6, and Friday, November 13, from 4-450pm, in Room 1028 Lincoln Hall.
Questions may be addressed to: ugresearch@illinois.edu. Please put “URAP” in the subject line.
