Frequently Asked Questions

UROP is a year-long academic experience that engages first-year, second-year, and transfer students in research, scholarly, and creative inquiry.

• Conduct research on average 6-12 hours per week during the 2022-2023 academic year.
• Engage with a community of student researchers participating in mandatory research seminars held on Tuesday evenings from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
  • Engineering and Physical Science seminars will be held on North Campus on Tuesday's 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Community Engaged Research (CER) seminars will be held on Tuesday's 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
  • Students who are in marching band enrolled in an upper-division course, or have athletic practice should contact Charmise L Knox, Academic Program Manager to request an alternate seminar time.
• Attend monthly meetings with a UROP peer facilitator. The meetings are an opportunity for you to discuss your project and any questions or concerns you may have.

The seminars are designed to complement your UROP research experience, facilitate your professional development as new scholars/researchers, and get the most out of your research experience. Topics range from resume and cover letter workshops to introductory research concepts, and the greater impact of research in our communities and the world.

For humanities and social sciences research, there are typically no more than 20 students in a section. For physical sciences and health science, there are typically no more than 30 students in a section.

This small seminar format allows you to get to know your peers and your Peer Facilitator. The Peer Facilitator facilitates the intellectual and personal development of University of Michigan students. They will get to know you personally, meet with you 1-on-1 on a monthly basis (or more, as needed), and serve as a resource throughout the academic year.

UROP is a two-semester-long course (entire academic year).

UROP provides opportunities for students to work on research and creative projects with University of Michigan researchers and community partners in all academic disciplines, including the humanities and creative arts, social sciences, natural and biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, and physical sciences and engineering.

Learn about previous research projects through the links below:

UROP | Sample Projects

Research refers to the process of creative and systematic investigation that seeks to increase the body of knowledge in a particular subject area. Research involves the collection, organization, and analysis of information (data) in order to make observations about a particular problem, phenomena, or idea. A research project may be an expansion of past work in the field, an attempt to replicate findings from another research project, or an entirely new concept.

Research may be an ideal path for you if you are a curious student with a passion for learning and enjoy collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Working in research as an undergraduate is a fantastic way to “try out” or familiarize yourself with potential fields of interest or study. Research is usually a great fit for scholars who enjoy “hands-on” or “applied” experience, in addition to students who are motivated by scholarship for public/societal benefit.

Students are provided access to a (UROP-ONLY) database with hundreds of UROP-approved research projects. Each project in the database has information about the research topic, expected time commitment, and recommended skills (if applicable). The first two UROP seminars are centered around creating research resumes and cover letters, as well as introducing interview tactics and etiquette. Your Peer Facilitator is a UROP alumnus and will help guide you through the application process. The UROP Senior Staff also offer workshop sessions and 1-on-1 resume assistance.

While students are not guaranteed a research project upon their acceptance to UROP, the vast majority of students are placed in a project. Those who are unable to secure a research project in the first semester may opt to take UROP for 1-credit in the Fall and resume the project search process in the Winter semester.

Additionally, UROP has an academic course called Entering Research for students who may feel overwhelmed or hesitant to start navigating research through the UROP traditional program. These students will spend the Fall semester in a smaller classroom environment to support and empower students as they learn the process of systematic inquiry, develop professional and leadership skills, build relationships with research mentors, utilize hands-on experiences to build self-confidence, and are exposed to academic and career pathways. These students will have the opportunity to participate in the project search process in the Winter semester.

Yes, with prior approval from the mentor. The mentor will have to “apply” to UROP by submitting a project proposal. After the project is approved by UROP, the mentor can initiate the hiring process.

Mentors can submit a project proposal here:

UROP | Project Proposals

If your UROP project is not reachable from the standard UM Blue Bus routes (e.g. at the Rachel Upjohn Building, Dominos Farms, near Wolverine Tower, Ypsilanti, or Detroit), then UROP has you covered!

UROP has a leased UM vehicle that students can drive so long as they have a valid driver's license and complete a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check.

For more information visit:

UROP | Transportation

Absolutely. UROP is open to undergraduates from all schools and colleges.

Previous research is not required.

UROP provides FREE skill-building workshops that are required or recommended by UROP mentors as a part of their research project. These workshops serve to increase the student’s proficiency and comfortability with certain skill sets, including but not limited to: citation management, data management, programming, communicating research, data visualization, video editing/creation, and laboratory skills. Students may attend ANY of these skill-building workshops, even if their research mentor does not require/recommend them.

Changing Gears (CG) is a UROP program designed primarily for community college transfer students who will be attending the University of Michigan, but also serves students transferring from 4-year institutions.

UROP applications are reviewed on a rolling-basis until each program reaches capacity. Submitting your application by the end of July is recommended.

Students participating for academic credit will receive 2-4 total “general elective” credits per term.

Work-study students who have applied and accepted their Financial Aid work-study package will receive 1 academic credit per term and are paid $15/hour. Students who have Work-Study as part of their Financial Aid Award may still opt for Academic Credit participation and are not required to utilize Work-Study funds for participation in UROP.

Federal Work-Study is a financial aid program for students who have financial need. The program funds part-time jobs for undergraduates, allowing students to earn money to help pay educational expenses. Under the Work-Study program, a percentage of students’ earnings is paid through federal funds, with the remainder paid by UROP.

UROP provides grants to currently enrolled U-M UROP students who do not have work-study as part of their financial aid package but who have demonstrated financial need. More information about the grant and how to apply can be found here:

UROP Student Grants

Credit students may register for 2-4 credits depending on the time commitment for their research project, as well as attending the mandatory research seminar and completing all assignments for this portion of the course. The number of credit hours is determined by hours per week devoted to conducting research (between 6-12 hours per week).

Students participating for Work-Study or Grant compensation can earn 1 credit for successful participation in the mandatory research seminar compnent.

Yes – credit students, regardless of research hours, may opt to take UROP for 1-credit with approval from Dr. Michelle Ferrez, Director, UROP.  These students are still required to complete the agreed-upon hours in their Mentor/Mentee agreement and must fulfill all components of the seminar aspect of UROP as well as the research aspect. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

If you have any questions about your credit load and whether you have space/time for UROP, schedule an appointment with your academic advisor!