URCF @ UC

REU Program: Student FAQ's



  1. Who is eligible for the URCF program?

  2. The URCF URFP is open to UC undergraduate students, both domestic and international, that meet the following requirements:
    Enrollment at UC during Fall 2022 semester in a program leading to an undergraduate degree awarded by CEAS, Certified eligible to co-op, Minimum of two (2) previous co-op experiences by Summer 2022, UC cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, Prior participation in the CEAS Protégé program is encouraged but not required
  3. When is the application deadline?

  4. Application submissions are due Monday, April 29, 2024 by 5:00pm .
  5. How does the application review process work? How am I matched to a project?

  6. Student applications are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Research. Factors considered include GPA, 2 prior co-op experiences, a student’s potential for research (as described in their letters of recommendation), and their personal statement. Qualified student application materials will be sent to faculty mentors that have research interests and projects that align with the student’s interests. Because not every student can be matched with their first choice of project, we ask that you list two-three projects that you would be interested in working on.
  7. How do I choose a project?

  8. Review the projects listed (Review the projects listed here). After identifying projects that you are interested in, you should arrange to set up a meeting with the faculty mentor. This meeting will help you assess whether the project is a good fit for you. It will also allow the mentor to determine if you are a good fit for the project—you should treat this meeting like a job interview (we use mentor feedback to match students to projects).
  9. What are the requirements for the URCF program?

  10. Participants in the URCF program commit to forty hours of research effort per week on their designated projects during the program period. ( August 26-December 14, 2024)
  11. The application says that I must include unofficial transcripts. How do I do that?

  12. You can access your unofficial transcript via Catalyst.
  13. The application says that two letters of recommendation are needed. Who are the best people to ask for these letters?

  14. The letters of recommendation may come from previous co-op employers, previous employers, your professors or other sources that can provide a professional assessment. Letters from family members, friends or classmates are not acceptable.
  15. Can I take classes while I am in the URCF?

  16. Unfortunately, no. The program requires your full-time commitment on your research project—no concurrent course work is permitted.
  17. Will the URCF program impact my financial aid?

  18. Students should check with the financial aid office regarding this.
  19. Our family has already scheduled a vacation during the semester. Will I be able to join them?

  20. If this is unavoidable, and is for no more than one week, you may be permitted to begin your research earlier than the scheduled start date, so as, to ensure that you have completed the required hours. All arrangements for this must be discussed and approved in advance by your research mentor.
  21. Does URCF provide accommodation for housing or provide reimbursement for parking?

  22. Unfortunately, URCF does not have the funds to support student housing, or to provide transportation/parking vouchers.

    Questions?


    Contact: Dr. Gautam Pillay, Ph.D.,
    Associate Dean for Research
    College of Engineering & Applied Science (Email: pillaygm@ucmail.uc.edu)