Undergraduate Research Assistants Program FAQs

What is the URAP Program?
URAP is a program unique to Roanoke College. Seventeen new freshman students are identified each year and are invited to join the program. They work as research assistants with a member of the Roanoke College faculty on an original research project of interest to both the URAP scholar and to the faculty mentor. Twelve of the awards include a stipend of $2,000 per year and begin immediately upon arrival at Roanoke, renewable for up to three additional years. Five of the awards are "one year" awards, offering a stipend of $2000 for that year, which is used during the student's second, third, or fourth year at Roanoke. In addition to these stipends the URAP scholar becomes a member of a research team working on a project which generally will lead to publication in a professional journal and/or presentation at a professional conference.

What are the advantages of this program?
This prestigious award is intended to provide highly qualified students with a research experience under the supervision of a faculty member. The program is modeled after research experiences for new students in graduate school, with frequent access to a Roanoke College professor, as well as becoming a member of an elite group of fellow students. It offers students many advantages when it comes time to apply to graduate school or professional school.

What are the differences between the four year awards and the one year awards?
Both types of award involve the same high quality research experiences and both offer a stipend of $2000 per year. The "four year" awards begin with the student's first fall semester and continue for four years. The "one year" awards are used in the student's second, third, or fourth year at Roanoke. The "four year" awards involve a one-to-one matching of student and faculty member, at the time of the award, for a specific research project. The "one year" awards are given to incoming freshmen, but are not used until a later year. The students with "one year" awards will select projects and faculty mentors after at least one year of coursework at Roanoke College. All applicants are automatically considered for both types of award, but can opt out of either program when they apply.

How are candidates selected?
Selection to be a URAP scholar is a significant honor. Prospective students must apply to the Undergraduate Research Assistants Program in addition to applying to Roanoke College. Each mentor in the "four year" URAP program will invite only one applicant to be their Research Assistant. Mentors may wish to interview applicants either in person or by telephone, typically in February, March, or April. Students may apply to work on any of the available projects . Faculty will begin looking at applications immediately after the application deadline (February 1st), and may schedule telephone or in-person interviews with applicants soon thereafter. The "one year" URAP awards are given to students who prefer the flexibility of a one year project that begins no earlier than the sophomore year or to outstanding students not selected as matches for the current group of four year URAP projects.

How do I apply?
Incoming freshmen need to apply by February 1, 2010.

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When will I find out if I have been selected?
Formal appointments will be made by the Dean of the College. We expect to have the selection of the of URAP scholars completed by no later than April 1st.

Who do I contact for more information?
If you have any questions about the Undergraduate Research Assistants Program feel free to contact Dr. Jack Steehler, Coordinator of the URAP Program, at 540-375-2442. If you have questions about admission to Roanoke College feel free to contact the office of Admissions at 540-375-2270.