Frequently Asked Questions

I participated in an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Do I need to take this training?
Yes, you must complete RCRS training. There are special workshops offered in the summer for REU students, or you may complete any one of the four workshops during the Fall and Winter terms.

I attended the RCRS workshops last year. Do I need to attend again?
RCRS training only needs to be completed once at each stage of your academic career (ie., Master’s, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow), not annually.

I am a first year Ph.D. student. When do I need to finish the RCRS workshops?
We encourage Ph.D. students to complete all four workshops as soon as possible. Completion of RCRS training is required before Ph.D students can advance to candidacy.

I registered for an RCRS workshop can no longer attend. Should I contact anyone?
Yes, please email [email protected] with the name and date of the workshop you wish to cancel and your U-M ID number. The workshops have limited seating capacity, and there may be other students who would like to attend.

I want to attend a workshop and the online registration is closed. May I come to the workshop without registering?
Please email [email protected] to confirm there is an available seat at the workshop you wish to attend, as they’re often filled to capacity.

I want to make sure these workshops are mandatory before I sign up. My work is not funded by NIH or NSF. Do I still need to attend?
Yes, RCRS workshops are required for all Ph.D. students at the College of Engineering. All incoming Ph.D. students must complete the training to advance to candidacy.