Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
What is the UR2PhD program?
The Undergraduate Research to PhD (“UR2PhD”), pronounced ‘you are to PhD’, program focuses on engaging more women and gender-marginalized students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents in computing PhD programs. The program aims to ensure that participants have access to high-quality undergraduate research opportunities, positive mentorship experiences, and information about applying to graduate school.
In order to meet its objectives, the UR2PhD program facilitates three primary activities:
- An undergraduate research methods course to increase the capacity of computing departments to provide high-quality undergraduate research experiences
- A mentor training program for graduate students to train them to support undergraduate students in a culturally responsive manner
- A series of online workshops for students to continue to engage students in research, while increasing their understanding of the field and graduate school application process
How many students have participated in the UR2PhD program so far?
CRA launched the UR2PhD program in the fall of 2023 and has had over 400 participants.
How can I get involved in the UR2PhD program?
It depends!
To participate in the graduate student mentor training course:
- Students who attend institutional partner schools should inquire with their local coordinator about how to get involved
- Students who do not attend institutional partner schools should apply
To be contracted as a teaching assistant, or instructor:
- Students will need to apply for the role they are interested in
My question wasn’t answered in this section. Who can I reach out to for assistance?
Graduate Student Course
Who is eligible to participate in the mentor training course?
The training course on undergraduate research mentoring is open to any graduate student, MS or PhD, who is engaged in supervising undergraduate student researchers. Mentors of undergraduates participating in the UR2PhD undergraduate research methods course will be given priority.
How do I apply to participate in the mentor training course?
If you are a graduate student attending an institutional partner school, please contact your local coordinator for additional information.
Graduate mentors of students participating in the program that are NOT from institutional partners will need to apply. For additional information about how to apply or get involved, please review the graduate student mentor training course page.
I am mentoring a student participating in the undergraduate mentor training course. Do I have to complete the mentor training course?
Yes, any student that is mentoring an undergraduate participating in the UR2PhD undergraduate research methods course and has not completed the graduate student mentor training course will be asked to participate.
I am interested in the research mentor training, but I am not currently supporting undergraduate students with research projects. Can I still participate?
Our program is hands-on, allowing mentors to put their learning into practice. At this time only graduate students who are currently supporting undergraduates are eligible to participate.
How often will this training be offered?
We will offer the mentor training course every time we offer the undergraduate research methods course. In 2025, we plan to offer the course in the spring, summer, and fall.
When will the graduate student mentor training begin?
On average, the course begins approximately 1-4 weeks prior to the undergraduate research methods course in order to adequately prepare graduate students for mentoring their mentees in the research methods course.
For additional information about schedules and dates, please visit the graduate student mentor training course page.
Will graduate students receive compensation for participating?
CRA will be paying graduate students who successfully complete the graduate student mentor training program a stipend of $1,000. Stipends will be paid directly to participants. To receive their stipend, participants must meet course eligibility and must follow course expectations. All participants will be asked to complete a direct deposit form, and a tax form (either a W-9 or W-8BEN form).
UR2PhD: Undergraduate Research Methods Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program. This work, “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Methods Course”, is adapted from “Early Research Scholars Program” by Christine Alvarado, UC San Diego, used under CC BY 4.0. “UR2PhD Undergraduate Research Scholars” is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
UR2PhD: Graduate Student Mentor Training Course by Computing Research Association’s UR2PhD Program is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
