Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
What is the UR2PhD program?
The Undergraduate Research to PhD (“UR2PhD”), pronounced ‘you are to PhD’, program focuses on expanding training opportunities that make it easier for students to get involved in research. 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 offers four primary activities:
- A research training course to increase undergraduate students’ confidence and skills
- A mentor training course to support graduate students’ in becoming more effective mentors
- A computing research engagement and awareness workshop series to increase students’ understanding of research
- A graduate school application workshop series to build students’ interest in and knowledge of PhD applications
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 500 participants across the courses and workshops.
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 directly
To be contracted as a teaching assistant, or instructor:
- Students will need to apply for the role they are interested in. Please review our “Job Opportunities” page.
My question wasn’t answered in this section. Who can I reach out to for assistance?
A member of our team would be happy to assist you. Please send us an email at ur2phd@cra.org.
Graduate Student Course
Who is eligible to participate in the mentor training course?
The graduate student mentor training course intends to provide mentors with access to information about how to be an effective research leader. As such, it is open to graduate students who are currently working with and supervising undergraduate researchers. Mentors of undergraduates participating in the UR2PhD undergraduate research methods course will be given priority.
“Graduate students” includes students in either M.S. or PhD programs.
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, we strongly encourage mentors of students participating in the undergraduate research training course to participate.
We expect mentors to complete the course once. After a student has passed the course, they will not be asked to participate again.
I am interested in the research mentor training, but I am not currently supporting undergraduate students with research projects. Can I still participate?
At this time, only graduate students who are currently supporting undergraduate researchers are eligible to participate.
Our program is hands-on and requires mentors to discuss their experiences and apply their learnings.
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 will offer the course in the spring, summer, and fall. To see specific schedules, please review the Graduate Student Mentor Training Course page.
When will the graduate student mentor training begin?
The course begins a couple of weeks prior to the undergraduate research training 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
