Research Scholars
All research students, whether receiving a stipend or volunteering, whether full-time or part-time, whether a USD student or non-USD student, whether undergraduate or graduate, are required to register with OUR as Research Scholars.
Academic Year Research (2025-2026)
Students doing research during the academic year should register as research scholars. Within the form, you will need to upload a series of signed documents and training certificates (see below). If you are doing summer research, you should register using the part one and part two forms below.
Summer Research (2026)
Students doing research over the summer should register as summer scholars. The registration is split into two parts: part one (simple registration) and part two (forms and training certificates).
We encourage you to complete each form by their respective deadlines. Students receiving a summer stipend may be impacted if they do not complete the registration forms by their respective deadlines.
May 28, 2026 or prior to research start date
Summer Research Scholar Registration: Part Two
Download and complete the forms below, and upload them to your research scholar registration.
Research Training
All students doing research at USD are required to complete a series of trainings before beginning research. Students who have previously completed the trainings do not need to complete them again, however, they are still required to show proof of completion in their research scholar registration.
Financial Conflicts of Interest (Required)
Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) Research Ethics & Integrity Training (Required)
Human and Animal Subjects Research Ethics Training (if applicable)
Summer Research Scholars
Who are Summer Research Scholars?
- STAR & BURST Scholars
- Beckman Scholars
- McNair Scholars
- Catalyst Scholars
- Students who have a scholarship to support research
- Students who are conducting research on a faculty member's grant
- Students who are doing an independent project with a faculty advisor
- Students from other universities and colleges conducting research with a USD faculty
- High Schools students conducting research with a USD faculty
Summer Research Scholar benefits include:
- 50% discount on USD housing during the summer (double occupancy only)
- Participation in professional development workshops and community building activities over the summer
- Added to OUR mailing list to receive updates and information throughout the summer
Summer Research Information
See below for more information regarding the summer research period.
All undergraduate students* participating in summer research at USD are expected to enroll in the UGRS 496 course. You will not need to enroll yourself; the Office of Undergraduate Research will enroll you. This includes students in the following programs or categories:
- Beckman Scholars
- McNair Scholars
- STAR & BURST Scholars
- Catalyst Research Team
- Undergraduate students participating in research activities with faculty mentors (either paid or unpaid)
*May 2026 graduating seniors and non-USD student researchers will not be enrolled in this course. Please contact your faculty mentor for any further assistance.
Summer Research Scholars are eligible for 50% off USD housing over the summer. This discount is only applicable to shared rooms; students living in single rooms will be required to pay the full, non-discounted rate.
Students will work directly with Residential Life to make their housing arrangements and all questions regarding summer housing should be directed to Residential Life. The Office of Undergraduate Research provides housing information as a courtesy, but is not involved in arrangements of housing.
Non-USD students living on campus during the summer while conducting research, need to reach out to Residential Life directly.
Summer 2026 Information
Earliest move-in date: May 31, 2026
Latest move-out Date: August 8, 2026
Rate: $21/night (double occupancy)
USD Students
If you have a Spring 2026 parking permit, you can continue to park on campus through July 31, 2026. If you will have a Fall 2026 parking permit, it will be good to use starting August 1, 2026.
If you do not normally have a parking permit during the year, but need one during the summer, you are able to purchase a permit for $125 (less than the daily rate of $18 and the weekly rate of $40). This permit allows students to park in the Main and West parking structures and Commuter spaces. This permit is good to use through July 31, 2026. This permit can be extended to August 14, 2026 upon request.
Non-USD Students
If you need a parking permit during the summer, you are able to purchase one for $125 with a USD ID #. If you do not have a USD ID #, you will not be able to access this permit. For instructions on how to obtain a USD ID #, please contact your Faculty mentor and/or Department EA.
How to request a summer parking permit:
- Register as a Summer Research Scholar and indicate that you need a parking permit.
- OUR will share your request with Parking Services. They will need to check your account to ensure that you are eligible to purchase a permit.
- Once eligibility is verified, OUR will provide instructions for you to purchase your permit.
Summer Research Programs
Students conducting research as part of one of the educational summer research programs listed below will be paid a stipend. All stipends will be disbursed to your Student Account and then to your bank account.
- Beckman Scholars
- STAR & BURST Scholars
- McNair Scholars
- Undergraduate Researchers supported by departmental scholarships
- Undergraduate Researchers supported by faculty grants
Departmental Hires
Some students conducting research as part of their faculty research mentor's external grants may need to be hired as hourly employees. Please check with your research mentor to determine how you will be paid.
Taxes
Generally, student stipends are not taxable income if they are used for qualified educational expenses, which is typically how they are used. Please refer to the tax letter and consult an accountant if you would like to make sure that your situation applies. You may also contact the Payroll Office via email (payroll@sandiego.edu) or by phone at (619) 260-4818.
As a Summer Research Scholar, you are encouraged to attend OUR summer programming.
Summer 2026 Calendar:
- Summer Scholars Kick Off - Thursday, June 4 from 12 - 1:30 pm
- National Scholarships and Fellowships - Friday, June 12 from 12 - 1:30 pm
- Incorporating Research into your Resume - Monday, June 23 from 4 - 5:30 pm
- Elevator Pitches & Ice Cream Social - Wednesday, July 1 from 4 - 5:30 pm
- How to Talk About Your Research/OUR Travel Awards - Wednesday, July 16 from 12 - 1:30 pm
- Research Alumni Panel - Wednesday, July 29 from 12 - 1:30 pm
- End of Summer Celebration - Thursday, August 6 from 4 - 5:30 pm