Getting Started
At the start of the research term (and preferably before the term begins), students and their faculty mentors should meet to discuss:
- Work schedule: days/hours the student is expected to engage in the research
- Expectations: what the student is expected to accomplish during the term
- Preparation: required trainings or certifications that the student may need to complete before starting the research
- Meetings: schedule for the student and faculty mentor and/or other research supervisor to meet
- This should be at least once a week and all or most of these meetings should be in person
- Tracking: establish a document or system to track student time spent on the research and the tasks accomplished
- This is particularly important for international students as these hours may be considered work by the U.S. government
- Troubleshooting: what to do if the student has questions or difficulty with any of the research tasks or in identifying next steps in the project.
- For students: it is your responsibility to let your faculty mentor and/or other research supervisor know when you have questions or need help with the research.
- For faculty: it is your responsibility to provide adequate training and guidance as well as clear feedback about any problems or issues.