Frequently Asked Questions:
How much is the stipend & how do we receive it?
The stipend for 2024 will be $600 per week. These will be given in three equal installments of $1,600: the first at the start of the program, the second at the program’s midpoint, and the last on the program’s final day. These are paper checks rather than direct deposit. We recommend having a bank account established before starting the program to make the deposit process easier.
What is the program’s housing situation?
REU participants will be housed in single-occupancy rooms in one of the on-campus residence halls and will not share residence halls with camp groups (i.e., only university-aged individuals). Each room is equipped with a XL twin bed and a micro refrigerator and microwave. Linens (towels, bedding) are not provided by USM and must be brought by participants. There is access to laundry services in the residence hall. Additionally, residence halls are not staffed 24/7, but housing staff typically man the desk from 8PM to 12AM, after that, participants have access to a 24/7 on-call resident assistant and emergency maintenance.
In most cases, participants are required to stay in the residence halls, even if they live in or near Hattiesburg.
REU participants will receive a meal card to access the campus dining hall, called “The Fresh.” The cards will also include $1,000 bonus dollars to use at on-campus eateries. Unfortunately, there is no kitchen access in the residence halls. REU participants will be responsible for their meals off-campus.
Will I have to pay for a meal plan? Is there kitchen access in the residence halls?
What if I have a car on campus, will I have to pay for parking?
REU participants will receive free parking and will have to display a parking permit in their front dashboard.
Travel expenses to and from the summer program will be reimbursed up to $250 per participant. This includes mileage or flights; participants must send either the starting-point of the trip (if driving) or their flight/booking receipt to the program coordinator, Darcie Conrad, in order to receive reimbursement.
The program’s advertisements mention a travel reimbursement?
There are many indoor and outdoor activities. Participants will be provided with free membership to the Payne Recreation Center. The Recreation Center has an indoor pool, weight room, and aerobics facilities. There are two movie theaters, numerous museums, public festivals and events, and more in the City of Hattiesburg—check-out this list. There are also attractions in nearby locations, such as Jackson, Mississippi (about two hours away), the Mississippi Gulf Coast (one hour away), New Orleans (about two hours away), or Mobile, Alabama (about two hours away).
Are there things to do during the evenings and weekends?
No, this opportunity is an intensive research program which requires participants’ full attention throughout the summer. Engaging in other activities (i.e., working a full- or part-time job, taking or finishing an online or in-person course, etc.) would diminish your potential. If a participant is found to be doing another program or activity, they will be asked to leave Mapping Freedom and forfeit any remaining stipends.
Can I pursue other activities while in the program?
There’s a planned event during the summer (Wedding, graduation, concert, etc.), can I go?
Participants are welcome to travel and do non-program related activities, however only if they are outside of the program’s schedule, such as the evenings and weekends. If travel or events occur during the expected work day, then a participant cannot go as this opportunity is an intensive research program which requires participants’ full attention throughout the summer. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled lectures, program activities, and workshops. Absences will greatly impact your ability to keep up with the material and research timeline. Illness and emergencies are exceptions.
Due to the quick-pacing of the program and the program’s overall length, most days participants will work between 9AM and 5PM, with approximately an hour for lunch. Each day may include workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities. While there will be opportunities to work on deliverables and research during the typical work-hours on the weekdays, participants may have to devote time during the evenings and weekends to work on these.