Research and Innovation Grants (RIG)

About this program

The Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Rochester administers the Research and Innovation Grant (RIG), an undergraduate award granted only at enrollment to fund research- and experience-related expenses such as stipends for unpaid research/internships, conference and travel costs, summer program fees, research equipment, society memberships, and graduate-school interview expenses. Funds are disbursed after submission of an online Request for Disbursement (RFD) and approval by a UR-affiliated faculty approver; processing can take up to four weeks and payments are taxable, one-time disbursements processed on either the 15th or last day of the month. RIGs cannot be applied for post-enrollment, are not available in the first semester, and may not be used for tuition-covered items, housing/living costs, course-required materials, or activities earning academic credit during the regular year; seniors and fifth-year students must submit RFDs by April 15 to receive payment while still undergraduates. Students may work up to 20 hours/week during the academic year (40 hours/week in summer), international travel must be registered with the Office for Global Engagement, and students not awarded a RIG at enrollment should consider the Schwartz Discover Grant or the College Supplemental Fund.