UTC Undergraduate Research Work-Study program (Formerly URTOPS)

About the Program

The Undergraduate Research Work-Study program is open to incoming freshman, transfer, and continuing UTC students who hold a federal work study (FWS) award. The program requires a one-year commitment (fall and spring semesters). During the fall semester, Undergraduate Research Work-Study student scholars engage in a research work-study job, and professional development job training. In spring, student scholars complete an undergraduate research project under the direction of a faculty mentor.

How It Works

The Undergraduate Research Work-Study program focuses on intensive, hands-on research work experience, and career training preparation. Students interested in gaining a competitive advantage for graduate school, medical school, and professional careers are encouraged to apply. Under the direction of faculty mentors and program administrators, student scholars complete a research project, participate in work and research training , and build skills for future professional endeavors. Students across all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students with a strong desire to pursue research centered careers at the doctoral level are strongly encouraged to apply. Students without prior research experience, first-generation college students, and students from underrepresented and underserved populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

This program is open to students who hold an FWS award, and have at least 3 semesters remaining until graduation. In addition, applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

Federal Work Study Award Applicants:

• Must hold a Federal Work Study Award for the 2022-2023 academic year (fall, 2022, spring, 2023).
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.
• Minimum GPA requirement: 2.0

How to Apply - Before Starting an Application

• Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements above.
• Make certain you are interested in a year-long, intensive research and job training experience.
• Should you be selected for the program, you must complete hiring process in early August prior to the start of the fall semester. The Financial Aid Office will reach out in late Summer to discuss this process.
• Should you be selected, you must be available to participate in program activities during the fall 2022 and spring 2023 semesters.

How to Apply

Steps in the application process.

1. Submit the URWSP Interest Form: URWSP Student Interest Form
2. Submit the URWSP Pre-Application. Note: You must submit the URWSP Interest form before you can submit the pre-application.
3. Schedule a meeting with the URWSP Director
4. Interview with a prospective undergraduate research mentor(s).
5. Complete the Financial Aid URWSP position application in Job X in early August.

STEP ONE: Submit a URWSP Pre-Application

URWSP Pre-Application Materials
You will upload the three documents listed below to the URWSP Pre-Application. Gather these documents before starting an application.

1. URWSP Interest Statement. Save the document as PDF or Microsoft Word file. Download and review the URWSP Interest Statement Guide for instructions regarding what to include in this document. Submitted statements that do not follow the criteria and instructions outlined in the application guide will not be reviewed.
2. A copy of your CV or Resume. Save the document as PDF or Microsoft Word file. Download the CV template.
3. Professional References List. Use this worksheet to record contact information for 2 professional references. Professional references may include high school teachers or counselors, UTC faculty, staff or academic advisors, or current or former supervisors.

STEP TWO: Schedule a meeting with the URWSP Director
Once you have submitted a pre-application you will be contacted by the Office for URaCE to schedule a meeting with the Office for URaCE Director, Dr. Lisa M. Piazza. During the meeting you will be provided with additional details about the program including participant expectations and responsibilities.

STEP THREE: Interview with a prospective undergraduate research mentor(s). After you meet with Dr. Piazza, and it has been determined that you are a good candidate for the program, you will interview with one or more professors to discuss available positions.

STEP FOUR: Complete the Financial Aid URWSP position application in Job X. Once you have completed steps 1-4, and you have been invited to participate in the program, you will submit the position application via the Financial Aid Job X online platform.

The URWSP application will be available via the Financial Aid Office JobX platform in August. JobX is the system that all Federal Work Study students use to apply to jobs, enter their timesheets, and monitor their remaining award balance. Once you reach this step, you have already been accepted into the program. However, this is the official application for the job that we must have on file in the system.

You will receive an email from the Financial Aid Office in August providing instructions for how to access JobX and how to apply to the URWSP position. If this is your first year working at UTC, you will need to provide new hire documentation to the Financial Aid Office. All of the information will be provided to you in the email. You will not be able to start working until we have the completed application and all new hire paperwork on file.

Questions? Contact the URaCE Director, Dr. Lisa Piazza.