FAQs for Current Scholars and Assistants

Undergraduate Research Experience and Creative Activity (URECA)

Q When are stipends paid?

A There is a maximum of two payments per semester. Most students receive their stipend in two payments. When a student completes 50% of his/her hours, a time sheet signed by the mentor or an email from the mentor verifying the number of hours completed may be submitted.
The URECA office will submit the necessary paperwork to process your check. Checks are mailed to the home address listed on the application. Please inform our office if your address changes.
For the second check, the same process is repeated, but a final report must also be submitted prior to receiving the final payment.

Q Do I get my stipend in one lump sum?

A. Yes. But you must have proof of completion of all hours as well as the final report completed. The time frame must also be reasonable.

Q Do I have to turn in a timesheet every month?

A NO. Timesheets signed by your mentor must be turned in to receive stipend checks, but you can bring them when you have enough hours accrued to qualify for your first check-or simply have your mentor email the same information to the URECA office.

Q Am I paid for the exact number of hours I work?

A You will receive stipend payments after timesheets/emails document that you have completed the number of hours in ratio to a payment; for example, half the hours will earn half the stipend. If you complete your project in fewer hours than you originally planned, your final check will compensate you for the adjusted total of hours actually worked.

Q Can my stipend check be direct deposited?

A Considering special circumstances in the summer, maybe. Summer projects may be in locations other than Murfreesboro, for example, or mentors may be out of town and difficult to reach for signatures to verify your hours. Check with the URC office to have special arrangements considered.

Q How can I pay for the supplies I need to complete my project?

A Some supplies may be ordered through the URC with the Center's purchasing card, or they can be ordered through your mentor's department secretary, and charged to the URECA account number at the top of your award letter. If a charge card cannot be used, and the total amount of the purchase is less than $500.00, checks may be issued from the business office after submission of a payment authorization with an attached receipt or invoice. The URC office will be glad to process these for the students. Paypal cannot be used for payment. Students/faculty will be responsible for all expenditures over the allotted amount.

Q I have been awarded money to travel. Can I get a cash advance?

A Travel funds are payable on a reimbursable basis only. Signed travel authorizations are due into Accounts Payable, Cope 108, before travel, and signed travel expense claims with attached original receipts must be submitted to the same office after travel. Students/faculty will be responsible for all expenditures over the allotted amount.

Q Is there a specific format for the final report?

A Only length: 3 to 5 double spaced, 12 font pages for an assistant; 5 to 12 double spaced, 12 font pages for a scholar. PLEASE use the Final Report cover page and staple. Folders or notebooks are not necessary