The Basics

The UMass Lowell Immersive Scholars program is an exciting experiential learning initiative offered university-wide to incoming freshmen who have merit-based scholarships. The projects are either 250 hours over the summer or the academic year (students may also select an international experience, but that is not discussed here).
Students may opt for a community or research-based placement.  A “community placement” partners the student with a nonprofit or government organization.  A “research placement” partners the student with a faculty member to assist them on a research or creative project.  Occasionally, a student’s placement may be considered a “research-community placement.”  The faculty or organizational staff member whom the students reports to is call the Mentor. 

Student Information

  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA (3.000-3.800 depending on their specific merit awards).
  • Students are required to work 250 hours to receive the full $4,000 award (holidays, sick and vacation do not count toward hours). Student may NOT work more than 250 hours. 
  • Students must submit hours on HRDirect (our payroll system – training guides are available for Mentors on how to navigate HRDirect). Mentors approve these hours.
  • Students receive a bi-weekly paycheck from UMass Lowell.
  • Students can work up to 37.5 hours per week during breaks, and only up to 20 hours a week when school is in session (8-10 hours ideal for students’ school schedules). 
  • Students cannot apply to be a part of this program; it is part of their Financial Aid package.
  • Students cannot reapply for the program; it is a one-time opportunity for the summer before their sophomore year, or during their sophomore year. Occasionally, faculty members have been able to extend or augment a students’ placement with their own or college-based funds.
  • Every student must complete a poster showcasing the work they completed with their Mentor and/or organization.

Mentor Information

A Mentor is the faculty or organizational staff member that is the onsite supervisor for students, and who will work with the student to establish clear expectations for the position. Emphasis should be on meaningful research or community work that will give the students an educational experience. Mentors should touch base with students on a regular basis to oversee the work the students are doing, troubleshoot problems, and provide feedback. 
Mentors will:
  • Maintain an up-to-date login for JobHawk (our job posting system – see below)
  • Post position descriptions on JobHawk
  • Interview & hire the students, reporting hires in JobHawk
  • Approve and provide support for students’ poster submission
  • Supervise the student, approve hours and provide support as stated above
  • Provide a safe and appropriate work-place for the students
  • Report any concerns, student absences, etc. to the program manager

JobHawk information

All Mentors must participate in JobHawk training. Find training instructions on the Post an Opportunity page on our website. If a Mentor is a UMass Lowell staff or faculty, normal credentials will work within 48 hours of training completion. 
Nonprofit and government organizations must complete and submit a “Sponsored Guest Form.”
  • This form must be resubmitted every fiscal year.
  • You are welcome to use your organization’s address, phone number and email for sections 4-10.  
  • The form requires the Mentor provide the last 4 digits of your SSN (this a secure electronic form).
  • In section “23. Additional Information” Please add your organization name, and indicate if you have ever had a UMass system email before (this includes any of the UMass campus, or for the President’s office). If yes, please share that email if you remember it, or your legal name at the time you had the email. 
Forms are electronically signed and sent to:
Candice Garabedian, MEd
Manager-Student Employment
University Crossing, Suite B280
220 Pawtucket Street
Lowell, MA 01854
Candice_Garabedian@uml.edu
P: 978-934-5349
If you have any questions about the entire process, please contact UROC.