When does project placement occur?The placement process occurs over the summer and first two weeks of the fall semester. Early placements occur because (1) supervisors may identify returning students with whom they would like to work (or, based on application materials or summer interviews, incoming students with interests well matched to program areas), (2) students express interest in program areas that employ multiple research assistants, or (3) incoming students submit application materials indicating interests and skills that are well matched to funded projects. During IPA New Student Retreat and subsequent orientation meetings students learn about IPA and its wide range of program areas. Informal placement interviews are scheduled so faculty and staff members can meet with unassigned students and discuss their interest areas.
