Frequently Asked Questions
Table of contents:
- How do I find a mentor and a project?
- How many hours per week will I be expected to work during the summer program?
- May I take classes or have another job during the summer program?
- Where will I live?
- When it says the travel cost is paid, is that the total amount for any type of travel -- bus, train, airplane, or driving from my home school?
- What appliances are available in the housing unit?
- Does the university have a cafeteria or places nearby where food could be purchased?
- Is there public transportation available in the area?
- On the application under academic information for math courses and computing courses does this include the classes taken at high school?
- Is there wireless Internet connectivity in the housing unit?
- Can I take vacation time while I am participating on the REU program?
Summer Undergraduate Research Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find a mentor and a project?
The REU selection committee will select the students admitted to the REU and select a project for you based on your preferences listed in your application and essay and your abilities.
- How many hours per week will I be expected to work during the summer program?
Good question, but unanswerable. You will work when the work needs to be done. You will be expected to have regular office hours determined by the mentor, usually between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- May I take classes or have another job during the summer program?
(See previous question.) Because you cannot schedule when you will need to be working with your group, we do not allow student researchers to take classes or hold an outside job. You must be willing to devote your full attention to this program.
- Where will I live?
If needed, REU Participants will stay in campus housing. The type of housing will differ based on each campus.
- When it says the travel cost is paid, is that the total amount for any type of travel -- bus, train, airplane, or driving from my home school?
The program provides reimbursement of up to $400 for the cost of travel to and from the REU site. All travel plans must be approved by the REU site for the program to be able to reimburse you. If you prefer to take an airplane, we will book the round trip ticket for you. To qualify for air travel you must request approval from the REU Coordinator, lgalat1 AT lsu DOT edu. For other travel types such as train, bus or driving, we will reimburse you up to $400 for the round trip. Students must have all travel plans approved ahead of time, and present receipts detailing their travel expenses within two weeks of the date of travel and no later than August 15 for the return trip. Mileage will be reimbursed at the LA state rate for driving.
- What appliances are available in the housing unit?
At LSU, you will be staying in a 3- or 4-bedroom, two bath apartment with others students. The apartment has a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. If you want a television, radio or alarm clocks, you must bring your own.
At LA Tech, you will be staying in a traditional residence hall. All appliances (refrigerator, stove, oven, washer/dryer) are shared with other students. - Does the university have a cafeteria or places nearby where food could be purchased?
There will be several dining rooms open during the summer where full meals may be purchased. At LSU, there are several nearby grocery stores that are on the bus routes. One of our housing goals at LSU is that each apartment will have at least one person that has a car residing there.
At LA Tech, there are dining options both on campus and off (but near) campus. Grocery stores are further away, but within short driving distance. - Is there public transportation available in the area?
At LSU there is a bus service from several locations on campus. Bus information such as routes, transfers to public buses, schedules, etc.
At LA Tech, there is no public transportation. We suggest that you bring a car if at all possible. - Can personal vehicles be parked on the campus and is there a charge for parking?
At LSU and LA Tech you may park your personal vehicle on campus. Yes there is a charge for parking. When you let us know if you are staying on or off campus we'll let you know the charge for your parking permit.
- On the application under academic information for math courses and computing courses does this include the classes taken at high school?
Math and sciences should be only college credit courses. Computer science should be high school and up. If you took a course for only half a year in high school please indicate that. Also, indicate a proficiency in that area: do you program a lot and well? Only programmed during the course, etc.
- Is there wireless Internet connectivity in the housing unit?
The housing unit at LSU will have both wired and wireless Internet connectivity.
At LA Tech there is wired Internet in the residence hall. You may connect your own router to create a wireless network. Public places on campus, such as the student center and many academic buildings, have wireless internet access. - Can I take vacation time while I am participating on the REU program?
Because the program only runs for 9-10 weeks, we don't recommend taking a family vacation. A long weekend might be acceptable (e.g., the 4th of July weekend), but you will require the permission of your REU mentor.