The following list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) is for general information and is subject to change as needed. Please contact the REU Program Coordinator, Dr. Margaret Sexton, with additional questions at masexton@umes.edu.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
REU program staff typically contact students by mid-April each year.
Where will I live?
REU interns will live on the UMES campus in residence halls. Rooms are double occupancy with shared bathrooms.
Where will I work?
Students will work on their research in a variety of laboratories around campus, primarily in Carver Hall, Hazel Hall, and the Food Science and Technology Building. You will have access to the Frederick Douglass Library and campus computer labs. Many interns will also work in various field locations in the Maryland Coastal Bays, Chesapeake Bay, or Atlantic Ocean. Transportation will be provided to field locations.
When will I work?
Most of the time, you will be working an eight-hour business day, with the start time determined by individual laboratories. However, it is important to note that sometimes field sampling or experimental protocols may require interns to work longer hours.
What should I bring?
Interns should plan to be equipped with some clothes and shoes that are appropriate for conducting field work (as well as clothing that provides sun protection). Interns will need business casual clothing for the culminating presentation at the end of the internship.
How will I be paid?
Interns will receive a $5,750 stipend paid bi-weekly. Interns will also receive housing and meals.
How will I get around?
Interns can bring a personal vehicle to campus if they wish. The university will provide transportation for job-related activities, program-sponsored extracurricular activities, and field trips. Shore Transit is also available for student use in their free time.
I am an international student. Do I qualify for this program?
Unfortunately, the program is not open to international students. Interns must be US citizens or permanent residents.
Can I take an online class or have a part-time job while I am part of this program?
No. The program requires interns full-time commitment. Students will be dismissed if they are found to have other commitments while part of this program.
Can I receive academic credit for this program?
The internship is not offered as a course for credit through UMES. If your university has a program that allows you to earn credit through an external internship program, you will need to make those arrangements with your university. REU staff will gladly provide documentation of your work.
Where will I eat?
Students will eat in the dining hall with the following schedule:
Weekdays – Breakfast: 8-9 a.m., Lunch: 11 a.m. -1 p.m., Dinner: 4-6 p.m.
Weekends – Brunch: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Dinner 4-6 p.m.
The program will provide boxed meals for field trips/field activities.
I have specific dietary needs, can I be accommodated?
Yes, please notify Dr. Sexton if you have any dietary concerns/restrictions.
What will we do on the weekends/free time?
Some activities/field trips are scheduled for the weekends, however most weekends are free for students to do as they please. Resident Assistants (RAs) may have extracurricular activities planned whose costs are not covered by the program.
Are the extracurricular activities required?
All coursework, related field work and field trips are required, unless given prior permission from REU program staff. Extra-curricular activities planned by RAs or staff after hours and/or on weekends (movies, zoo, etc.) are optional.
I may need to leave during the program for another activity, what do I do?
Students are not permitted to miss program activities. Exceptions will be made for emergencies on a case-by-case basis. Please contact Dr. Margaret Sexton with questions.
