Credits or Cash?

[Arete]

So, as some of you may know I recently started as junior faculty and am building a lab. I have had great experience integrating undergraduates into my research group in the past, however at my new institution, I have been informed that I can either offer my undergrads money as compensation OR credits graded at my discretion (previously I would give both) I need to decide which form of compensation I will offer before advertising (which I also have to do as a procedural requirement). Although I can switch between the two at the change of semester.

 

I generally like to get in people at the freshman or sophomore level, so I can have them around for as long as possible. I would also like to get the highest caliber students possible, without overextending their commitments.

 

At the moment, I'm planning on getting in a couple of students on credit based positions for one semester, reviewing based on the student's needs and performance at conclusion of the first semester in my lab. However, I'd love to hear from current students as to what would net me the best applicants - so let me know!

 

 

 

 

[swansont]

Can you offer multiple positions, some with course credit and some paid? (and possibly not fill all positions). Then the students could decide which one to apply for.

[marymochan]

hmmm. I know this answer is a bit late, but I know that some PI's pay their students indirectly via work-study. For those who wish to learn, they sign a contract that allows the student to receive credits and for the faculty member to be paid as a teaching member of staff.

[iNow]

Curious what you chose and how it's worked since almost 2 full semesters have now passed.

 

I'd say credits will appeal to higher-caliber students, generally closer to graduation (juniors and seniors) whereas cash would appeal more to lower-caliber, explicitly motivated (versus implicitly motivated) students, often freshman and sophomore level.