Frequently asked questions
What are the 2008 program dates?
The program runs for 10 weeks beginning in lateMay, and ending in early August, 2009. There is a Student Symposium on the final Friday of the program to which family and friends are welcome.
What if my semester ends later than your program start date? What if I need to leave early? Most projects require that students start with the program and stay for the full 10 weeks. Occasionally, a mentor needs students that start either a week early or a week later than the program. If this is your situation, please note the date you will be available on your application clearly in the top of your personal essay.
Is it necessary to be a US Citizen to be eligible? Our funding is primarily for US citizens or permanent residents (green card holders). International students who are able to obtain support from other sources, which includes paying for the cost of room and board are welcome to apply. The first sentence of the essay should state that the applicant is an international student and they have or intend to obtain the funding to pay for their room and board as well as cover their stipend.
I am not enrolled in an undergraduate program, am I still eligible to apply? Students who have already obtained a bachelors degree are not eligible. Our funding is solely for students who are enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college program. Students who have completed their associates degree (2 year program) and are going on to get a bachelor's degree (4 year program) are encouraged to apply.
How will I know that you have received my application and my references? Upon submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
May I receive academic credit for this summer? We encourage students to work with faculty at their home institution to receive academic credit for their summer work. Please inquire at your school about the process.
What are students paid? Student compensation includes the following:
Stipend of $4,100 for the 10-week session;
Travel reimbursement of up to $450 for a round trip to Chicago;
Furnished housing (shared room) and meals at a dormitory.
How many hours do I work per week? Will I work nights and weekends? REU interns work typically 40 hours per week-- however that varies with each project needs. Some projects require early morning, late night or weekend work, which should be included in the project description as well as detailed by the researcher during the interview process. In addition, there are workshops and seminars held during the program. All participants are required to attend these programs.
What is the housing like? Will I have a roommate? Interns will live at a dormitory of a local college or university. While dormitories are co-ed, rooms are single sex. Most students will have 1 or 2 roommates. Please note that linens, blankets and towels are provided, and there are coin-operated laundry facilities located on site.
What is expected of students? What is expected of mentors? The summer program is a core part of the research and education mission of CBG. While every student, mentor and project is different, we place high expectations on all the students and their mentors to ensure everyone has an excellent albeit demanding research experience. These expectations are stated explicitly for mentors and students and program staff seek to ensure all participants understand them and act within this spirit.
Students are expected to comply with the Code Of Conduct that they sign as part of their acceptance materials. This code clearly states that all illegal drug use is prohibited and only students who are of legal age to drink may to do so, and even they are limited to specified occasions. No alcohol is allowed to be stored in student dorms, regardless of the age of the purchaser. The Code is taken seriously and violation of it may lead to discipline or dismissal from the program.
