Program Requirements

Michigan Research and Discovery Scholars (MRADS) offers a close-knit community for first-year students interested in pursuing undergraduate research opportunities and living in an academically and socially supportive community. MRADS is designed to be an introductory research opportunity - you do not need to have prior research knowledge to apply.

MRADS provides first-year students with:

• A faculty-sponsored research project, selected by the student from among hundreds of projects across the University, including research in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, physical sciences, engineering, and biomedical sciences
• Learning about how to do research through courses, guest lectures, and workshops. 
  
• Small group interaction with faculty who conduct research in a variety of disciplines and care about sharing their experience with undergraduates
• Peer Mentors and Peer Advisors who live in the community and provide social and research mentorship
  
• Social activities, skills workshops, and professional development
  
• Academic support through in-house study groups for all major introductory science and math classes
• The opportunity to present their research at the MRADS Spring Research Symposium

• Participate in a faculty-sponsored research project for at least 6 hours per week during the entire academic year. Research may be taken for credit or as work study (if students have a work-study award as part of their financial aid package). 
• Enroll in two one-credit courses ("Introduction to Academic Research" -AND- "Critical Approaches to Research and Communication"). These courses prepare students for an undergraduate research position at the University of Michigan.
• Be an active member of the community by participating in MRADS-sponsored programs and events. 
• Keep Wednesday evenings free to participate in community events.
• Meet monthly with MRADS Peer Advisor to discuss research experience.
• Participate in community-wide welcome activities at the start of each semester.
• Actively communicate and meet with student leaders on a regular basis.