UNLV Microbiology REU Frequently Asked Questions
- Eligibility
- Application
- Salary
- Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Alternative Plan
- Travel Subsidy
- Student Housing
- Library, Recreation Center and Student Union
- Dining
- Parking
- Medical Insurance
- Pharmacy
- Medical Clinic
- Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas
- Summer Weather in Las Vegas
Eligibility
Applications will be accepted from students majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environmental science, microbiology, science education and mathematics enrolled at either two-year or four-year institutions.
This REU site receives more than 100 applications and selects 10 to 12 participants each year.
First generation college students, members of groups underrepresented in science, education majors, nontraditional students and Post-9/11 veterans are encouraged to apply.
High school students should contact the REU program to determine their eligibility.
Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders).
Students receiving their baccalaureate degree in May/June are not eligible for this program.
Students with funding from other sources such as EPSCoR, McNair, NASA, MARC and RISE are eligible for this program, but cost sharing or matching maybe required by the granting agencies.
Application
The career essay is an extremely important part of the selection criteria and the research mentors expect a well-written one-page (minimum) composition. Applicants should prepare their essay with a word processing program and paste it into the appropriate box.
All applicants should use Google Scholar to find the recent publications of the selected mentors. Be sure to mention in your statement that you reviewed these publications. The selection committee knows that applicants may not understand everything in these publications, but will be impressed by the additional effort.
It is also recommended that applicants show their essay to the faculty member that will provide a letter of recommendation.
Salary
Each participant will receive a $5,000 salary disbursed into two equal checks at the end of June and July. The salary is subject to federal taxes and withholding.
REU participants will be required to sign-up for direct deposit.
Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Alternative Plan
All new employees hired July 1, 2005 or later, who would normally contribute to Social Security, will be mandated to participate in the FICA Alternative Plan. The State's FICA Alternative Plan will allow employees to accumulate retirement benefits and control their investment options in a manner different from Social Security. The FICA Alternative Plan is mandatory for seasonal, part-time and temporary employees hired after July 1, 2005, who would normally contribute to Social Security.
Contributions will be made on a pretax basis and participants become 100% vested upon enrollment. The FICA Alternative vendor is The Hartford. Current Medicare contributions, including the employer match will continue unchanged under the FICA Alternative Plan.
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What percentage of the participant's salary will be deducted and invested in the deferred FICA Alternative Plan?
7.5% pre-tax deduction will be withheld from the participant's total salary (not base salary) and placed in the designated deferred compensation plan. -
Will participants receive credits towards Social Security retirement?
No, the FICA Alternative plan will be in lieu of Social Security. -
Will a participant be able to designate a beneficiary?
Hartford offers a participant to designate a primary beneficiary. To designate a beneficiary, please contact Hartford. -
Will participant receive a statement from the vendor?
Yes, a statement will be sent out on a quarterly basis. -
What happens to the funds when a participant separates from service?
Participants who separate from service and choose to withdraw their funds must notify Hartford in order to receive the funds. Participants who separate from their employer and wish their funds to remain deposited will not need to notify Hartford of their change in employment status. -
Can a participant withdraw their funds early without a penalty?
There is no penalty for early withdrawal prior to retirement; however, a participant will be taxed on the amount of withdrawal. Refunds can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks. -
Can a participant roll their funds into another qualified plan?
Yes, a participant can roll their funds into another qualified plan. The vendor will assist the participant with this process.
Travel Subsidy
The REU program will make every attempt to provide round-trip airfare for every participant. Unfortunately, the REU program is not able to pay airline fees and charges for either baggage or rescheduling flights.
The standard mileage reimbursement regulations will be employed for participants that drive to UNLV.
Student Housing
REU participants will reside in air-conditioned double occupancy dormitory rooms located on campus. Each suite contains two bedrooms, a small refrigerator, microwave, Internet connection and a shared bathroom.
More information about student housing.
REU students should bring twin sheets, pillowcases and a blanket.
Unfortunately, there is no married student housing at UNLV.
Pets are not allowed in the dorm.
The dormitory is a 15 min walk from the research laboratories.
REU participants are responsible for lost keys and damage to the room.
Cooking is prohibited in the dormitory.
Library, Recreation Center and Student Union
REU students will have full access to the Lied Library, Student Recreation and Wellness Center and Student Union.
Dining
REU students may purchase meals from either the UNLV Dining Commons or use Rebel Cash at the Student Union and local restaurants. A full service grocery store, Von's is located at the corner of Maryland and Tropicana.
Parking
Students driving to campus should check with the Parking & Transportation Services for the latest parking regulations and rates.
Medical Insurance
All REU students must have proof of major medical insurance.
Students without medical insurance must purchase a temporary policy. Contact the REU program director for additional information.
Pharmacy
Walgreens (store no. 5311) at the northwest corner of Maryland and Flamingo is the closest pharmacy to the dormitory.
1180 E. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-836-9119
Medical Clinic
University Medical Clinic (UMC) will accept out-of-state medical insurance and is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, by appointment only.
5412 Boulder Highway
Las Vegas, NV 89122
702-383-2406
On the corner of Boulder Highway and Tropicana Ave., eastside parking lot of Albertson's shopping center. About 5 miles east of UNLV.
Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas
Las Vegas is known for its casinos and nightlife, but there is a lot more to Southern Nevada than that. Check out some of the fun things to do in and around Las Vegas that most tourists never see!
Summer Weather in Las Vegas
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Avg. Rainfall | Avg. Humidity (10 AM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 98.7° F (37.1° C) |
74.6° F (23.7° C) |
0.07" (0.18 cm) |
15% |
| July | 104.2° F (40.1° C) |
80.9° F (27.2° C) |
0.40" (1.02 cm) |
20% |
| August | 102.0° F (38.9° C) |
79.3° F (26.3° C) |
0.33" (0.84 cm) |
23% |
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University of Nevada Las Vegas Microbiology at UNLV Microbiology REU at UNLV UNLV Student Housing Tengchong PIRE |
Frequently Asked Questions REU Mentors Apply for the REU REU Student Accomplishments Fun Things to Do in Las Vegas |
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