Texas Tech University

 

 

Undergraduate Research Scholars

 

 

The URS application for
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 

 

          URS Application

 


Application opens on March 1st, priority deadline May 15th, 2023.

 

 

 

Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS) are engaging in research all over the TTU-TTUHSC campuses, working with faculty mentors who want to make a difference. And help our Honors students make a difference as well.

 

 

Steps involved in this application process are as follows:

  1.   Please fill out the student portion of the application then hit submit.
  2.   Please send the link generated by the form to your mentor so that they can submit a Mentor's Pledge for you.
  3.   After your Mentor submits their pledge, we will review your application and inform you if you are accepted into the URS program. If you have not been employed by the university, we will send you the hiring documents so that you may receive a stipend for your research involvement. 
  4.   You are required to attend a New UR Scholar orientation at the beginning of the fall semester. 

 

 

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

 

  • Applicant must be a member of the Honors College to apply to the URS program.
  • Prospective Scholars must be enrolled and in good standing with the Honors College.
  • Students are expected to find a faculty mentor with whom to perform research. The URS coordinator is available for help in finding a mentor.
  • Students from any discipline are eligible to apply to the URS program. Any full-time TTU or TTUHSC faculty member is eligible to be a mentor.
  • Scholars and faculty mentor must be on the Lubbock campuses for both the fall and spring semesters.
  • URS is a two-semester, or longer, commitment. The program begins in August and culminates in the spring with a mandatory presentation in the TTU Undergraduate Research Conference.

 

DETAILS

  • Scholars earn an hourly stipend of $10.00 an hour, for no more than 10 hours a week.
  • Scholars may elect to receive course credit in their home departments in lieu of payment.
  • Scholars may NOT simultaneously receive course credit and URS funding for the same research.
  • Worker's compensation is provided in the event of a job-related injury but Scholars are not eligible for paid vacation, sick leave or other University benefits such as health insurance.
  • Scholars must submit accurate timesheets to meet payroll deadlines, A timesheet is a legal document and subject to audit. Timesheets must be submitted both online and to the URS coordinator.
  • Scholars are expected to engage in research, not routine tasks such as cleaning lab equipment or filing.

 

HOW TO FIND A MENTOR

  1.   Google TTU and your home department. For example, TTU Biology
  2.   Choose the faculty page
  3.   Look at what each faculty member is researching and see if anything looks interesting.
  4.   Email the professor.

 

TA's and fellow students are also very helpful in finding a mentor. TA's can give insight on professors and you might be sitting next to someone in class doing research with someone you would love to work with, so start talking to people!

 

Professors you have taken course from and have a good relationship with are also a valuable resource when it comes to finding a faculty mentor. You may also ask your departmental advisor for suggestions.

 

It is common for students to do research in their major or field, ex. pre-med. However, if you have another passion, say history or dance, this may be your last chance to explore that topic before you focus on your major of career. Many students have successfully gained admittance to professional programs with research outside of their major. 

 

 

I have a meeting with a professor, now what?

 

You are trying to ascertain if working for this mentor would be a good fit for you. Are you worried about overcommitting, flexibility in work hours may be important for you. Or you may need more structure with firm deadlines and hourly commitments. Look for what you think will be the best research environment for you!

If the research will take place in a lab setting, ask to visit and if you will be invited to lab meetings. What is the environment, do the other students look like they are learning and enjoying their time there.

Ask for literature relevant to the research topic. Are there opportunities for you to present research at conferences in the field? Ask questions to know more!