FAQ

Technical & Access

Q1: AccessUH Login Issue
A: Try logging in using a private/incognito window in Google Chrome. Make sure you are connected through the UH VPN. If the issue persists, contact Matthew for further assistance.

Q2: Will I have access to Wi-Fi in my room?
A: Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout The Quad and across campus. You’ll be given UH Wi-Fi access credentials during orientation or check-in. After you receive your credentials for Cougarnet email, you can use the same credentials to log in to the UHSecure Wi-Fi available throughout campus.

Q3: Will I receive emergency notifications from UH?
A: Only current students and employees receive emergency email or text notifications. Since you are not a student or employee, you will not receive them.

Q4: How can I receive emergency alerts if I'm not a UH student or employee?
A: You can receive alerts by downloading the UH Go app and enabling push notifications on your mobile device.

 Housing & Move-In/Out

Q5: Can I arrive before the official check-in date or stay past the program end?
A: No early arrivals or late stays are officially supported. Participants must check in/out within the designated housing period. Outside those dates, you’ll need to arrange your own accommodations.

Q6: Will I have roommates?
A: Each participant has a private bedroom, but bathrooms and common areas are shared with other REU students in the townhouse.

Q7: Are cleaning supplies or laundry detergent provided?
A: No. You should bring or plan to purchase your own laundry detergent, cleaning products, and toiletries.

Q8: Can I order packages from Amazon or other retailers?
A: Yes, but they must be addressed to Matthew Pariyothorn with your name included. Expect delays in retrieval.

Q9: Is there emergency support after hours?
A: Yes. For housing emergencies, contact The Quad front desk. For urgent issues, contact Matthew Pariyothorn at 832-868-5333.

 Travel & Reimbursements

Q10: Will someone pick me up from the airport?
A: No. You must arrange your own Uber/Lyft/taxi to campus. Reimbursement is provided with valid itemized receipts. Please check Travel to find detailed information on the reimbursement process.

Q11: How do I submit travel receipts for reimbursement?
A: Instructions are provided in the Onboarding section on the Travel page of the website.

Health & Safety

Q12: What should I do if I get sick during the program?
A: You can visit an urgent care or ER near campus. You may contact them to check your insurance coverage and find nearby clinics.

Q13: Is UH closed on June 19th?
A: Yes, UH will be closed on Thursday, June 19th for Juneteenth.

Q14: Will dining services be available on June 19th?
A: Yes, Moody Tower Dining will be open on June 18th and 19th despite website discrepancies. See for: UH Holiday holiday schedule.

 Meals & ShastaBUCKS

Q15: Are meal plans included with the program?
A: No fixed meal plans are provided. However, ShastaBUCKS will be added to your CougarCard for use at campus dining facilities.

Q16: What is the maximum daily ShastaBUCKS usage per student?
A: The maximum daily usage allowed is $36.

Q17: How is my future ShastaBUCKS usage projected?
A: Based on your first week's average daily usage. If under $36/day, that average is used; if over, it's capped at $36.

Q18: Why is there a projection method for ShastaBUCKS?
A: It ensures efficient use of funds. Unused ShastaBUCKS are not returned to the REU program.

Q19: What should I do if I'm running low on ShastaBUCKS?
A: Notify the program 3–4 business days before reaching zero so eligibility for a reload can be processed.

Q20: Can I use ShastaBUCKS on GrubHub?
A: While ShastaBUCKS are for UH affiliates, past REU students have used them on GrubHub. The app may occasionally freeze.

Q21: Will my current ShastaBUCKS balance last through June 30th?
A: Based on projections, it should last through June 30th for most participants.

Q22: I think there's a mistake in my ShastaBUCKS balance—what should I do?
A: If you suspect a miscalculation, reach out for clarification.

Q23: What if I have ShastaBUCKS beyond June 30th?
A: You will be contacted separately if your final program load includes extra ShastaBUCKS and days.

 Program Schedule & Participation

Q24: Will there be a program orientation or welcome session?
A: Yes. Orientation details will be emailed before the program starts. Expect a welcome session on the first day.

Q25: Should I bring my own laptop?
A: Yes, you are expected to bring a laptop for research and program activities unless otherwise instructed by your mentor.

Q26: Will I be working individually or in teams?
A: It depends on your assigned mentor. Some projects are solo, others collaborative.

Q27: Will there be opportunities to present my research?
A: Yes. There is typically a final symposium where you’ll present your research to peers and faculty.

Stipend

Q28: When should I have received my first stipend payment?
A: You should have received it by the fourth week of the REU program.

Q29: What if I haven’t received my first stipend payment?
A: If you haven’t received it and haven’t reported it yet, contact the program coordinator: Matthew Pariyothorn.