June 16–August 23
Summer Quarter
June 16–July 18
SISRM Coursework (times vary)
SISRM Workshop Series (mandatory participation) M-F Noon–1:15PMish
SISRM RAs are encouraged to use this time to familiarize themselves with the work they will complete for you and complete any relevant training during this period
July 16–September 28
SISRM RAs may work in earnest to complete their 160 hours of research work
Thursday, June 19
Holiday: Juneteenth Observance
Friday, July 4
Holiday: Independence Day
An important goal SISRM has is to provide undergraduates with an environment that fosters professional growth. The RAship program provides a perfect opportunity for students to receive constructive guidance that will help them better familiarize themself with their disciplines of study and that will help them better understand what professional relationships look like.
To facilitate a productive research environment, SISRM has implemented a series of guidelines that will help our undergraduate RAs understand their role and responsilibities on your project.
What does success in this research experience look like for both the researcher and the student RA?
What are the long term and short term goals of this project? What will the RA’s role be in realizing these goals?
Is there anything your RA needs to do prior to beginning work on this project that will help them be successful? Are there tools or resources needed from SISRM?
Will RAs need to undergo IRB training for this project? What is the deadline for completing this training?
SISRM’s preference is for students and faculty to have a written record of work expectations and communication plans available. SISRM provides students with a document to fill out in consultation with their faculty mentor and project team.
The RA experience is intended to help students further develop the skills they’ve been practicing both in the course and the workshops. However, RA work does not have to directly focus/specifically focus on the coursework students are undertaking.
Your RA has been instructed to consider the following points and to discuss them with you. Prior to the start of the program, RAs will turn in a written document outlining their goals for the summer, their communication plan/strategy for this project, and the steps they will need to take to successfully complete their 160 hours of work.
Project / RA’s Role
What does success in this research experience look like for both the researcher and the student RA?
What are the long term and short term goals of this project? What will the RA’s role be in realizing these goals?
Is there anything your RA needs to do prior to beginning work on this project that will help them be successful? Are there tools or resources needed from SISRM?
Will RAs need to undergo IRB training for this project? What is the deadline for completing this training?
Communications
What, if any, specific technical or communication skills do you expect from your RA?
How many hours per week and at what times/days do you expect your RA to work on your project? Are there set meetings they must attend?
How will the RA document their work? Is there a specific protocol for this project/team?
Is the research you’re involved in confidential? Are RAs allowed to discuss your project with other individuals outside of your project group?
Who will your RA(s) go to if they have questions about their work on this project?
What will be the primary means of communication for this project?
Students are expected to complete 160 hours of work through their RAship.
All SISRM students will pursue 100 unit coursework and participate in the mandatory Practice of Social Science Research workshop series M-F (noon-1:30PM CST) at the beginning of Summer term for 5 weeks. As such, SISRM requests students/mentors arrange for a lighter work load during those weeks: RAs should not be expected to work on a project for more than 10 hours per week between June 10–July 12, 2024.
Students have been instructed to arrange their work schedule directly with you. In Summer 2024, the format may be virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Bi-weekly check-in
SISRM conducts a weekly check-in with students and bi-weekly check-ins with faculty to ensure project needs are being adequately met.
If you have concerns about the performance of your RA at any point, please let us know at sisrm@uchicago.edu
SISRM will issue the payment ($5,000) for your student RA;
You do not need to add the student to payroll this summer;
Students will self-report hours to SISRM staff (we can share these reports to you if you'd like)