Programmatics
This page provides information about the execution of our REU program, including student demographics, assessment results and lessons learned. This information is intended more for those interested in running similar programs, but provides some insights into the program to potential students. If you have any questions about the program, see the contact page for where to get more information.
2015-2022
Applicants: 734
Declined offers: 86
Participants: 61
Participant Demographics
Home Institutions: 46 unique
2022
Supported two additional participants from WSU in Spring 2022.
2021
The program was not offered in 2021 due to COVID.
2020
Applicants: 89
Declined offers: 12
Participants: 7
Participant Demographics
WSU REU Evaluation Report 2020
2019
Applicants: 112
Declined offers: 11
Participants: 10
Participant Demographics
WSU REU Evaluation Report 2019
2018
Applicants: 155
Declined offers: 17
Participants: 11
Participant Demographics
WSU REU Evaluation Report 2018
2017
Applicants: 147
Declined offers: 19
Participants: 10
Participant Demographics
WSU REU Evaluation Report 2017
2016
Applicants: 145
Declined offers: 18
Participants: 11
Participant Demographics
WSU REU Evaluation Report 2016
2015
Applicants: 86
Declined offers: 9
Participants: 10
Participant Demographics
WSU REU Evaluation Report 2015
Lessons Learned
- In post-program surveys, mentors indicated that expectations were not
always met in regards to the quality and quantity of student work. Mentors
should make their expectations explicit at the beginning of the program. These
expectations should be revisited at least once, midway through the program.
- See our REU Mentor Guidelines
- A process should be in place in which students can confidentially share their concerns during the program.
- Recruiting the best students first, and then pairing them with mentors, is more efficient than having potential mentors pour over the applicant pool.
- We moved up the schedule for application submission and review, because many offers (46 over three years) were declined due to students having already accepted other offers. Competition is high for the best students.
- Switching to the UNCC CISE REU Common Application Form almost doubled the number of applicants. Although those applicants are likely to be applying to multiple programs.