STUDENTS Undergraduate Scholar Assistant (USA) Program

FAQ

What are the requirements for students to participate in the USA program?
To be eligible, students must be registered fulltime, be undergraduates of at least sophomore status, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

How can I find a USA opportunity?
Check out the database on the Honors website. If you see a position that interests you, contact the listed faculty supervisor for more information or to apply. Or, if you know a faculty member who is working on a suitable project, contact him/her to see if they would be interested in attempting to hire you as an assistant through this program.

What are the benefits of the program?
1. You receive a stipend to work with and assist a faculty mentor.
2. Your work is recognized as professional work experience by the UI, in the form of a non-credit notation on your official transcript.

Will I receive academic credit in this program?
No. You are paid a stipend and receive a non-credit notation on your transcript.

What is the term of employment?
USA interns are hired on a semester-by-semester basis. At the discretion of the supervising faculty and student, USA positions can be renewed for additional semesters (positions are funded in fall and spring only; there are no summer USA opportunities). Students are limited to a total of four semesters of participation in the program.

What are the hours/pay?
Interns are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week, and are paid a stipend of $1,250 per semester. Payment is made in equal installments throughout the semester. You can receive a check, or have your pay direct-deposited in your bank account.

What should I do if a faculty member wishes to hire me for a USA position?
Have him/her contact us immediately to confirm your selection, and so we can deactivate the position listing. (If the position has not been listed with the Pomerantz Career Center, it will need to be submitted and approved first.) Then, go to Honors as soon as possible to complete the enrollment paperwork.

Is there a deadline for participation in the program?
Yes. You must be hired, complete paperwork at Honors and add the appropriate course before the deadline for adding courses each semester.

What should I do if I wish to continue for a second (third, etc.) semester in the program?
You must go to Honors to complete paperwork before the start of each semester of participation.

Contact:
Mary Uhl or call (319)335-1681.