What is an URCA Assistant?
URCA Assistants work with full time tenured or tenure-track faculty on research or creative activities. Assistants typically work approximately 6 to 9 hours per week under the direct guidance of a faculty member on projects directly related to research or creative activities. Assistant positions are for one semester. In order to continue in the role of URCA Assistant for more than one semester, students need to apply for a position each semester. Up to 90 Assistants per semester will receive a $750 award for their participation; several other Assistants serve in a volunteer capacity each semester. Faculty submit their research or creative activity proposals to the URCA Program and if approved, then students apply directly to and are selected by that faculty member. Positions are available during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Responsibilities
- Work approximately 6 to 9 hours per week on faculty-led projects
- Maintain satisfactory progress on the URCA Assistant work as defined by the faculty mentor
- Students who are not fulfilling the work of the URCA Assistant role could have their position and award removed.
Benefits
- Possible opportunity to earn a $750 award per semester (up to 90 research assistant positions per semester will be funded)
- Opportunity to work closely with faculty mentor
- Opportunity to explore different areas of research or creative activities
- Gain introductory experience in research or creative activities that can be helpful for future employment and/or graduate school
- Possible opportunity to earn course credit for research participation (this is up to the individual faculty mentors and department; some positions may be for credit, some may not). If the URCA activity is counted for course credit, the student is responsible for paying the tuition and fees for those credit hours. There is no tuition waiver as a part of the URCA program.
For more information about the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Program, contact Dr. Amelia Perez at (618) 650-3992 or aperez@siue.edu
