Student Science Training Program (SSTP)
General Questions
Residence Hall and Roommates
Will I have internet access in the residence hall?
Yes. Students will be able to connect to the internet via wi-fi or an Ethernet cable. The majority of the UF Campus, including the common areas of Beaty Towers, is a part of the UF Wireless Network. Students will have access to UF internet through their Gatorlink account once they arrive. In order to connect to the UF internet your computer must meet these requirements. Please note that the university does not guarantee wireless service in residents’ rooms, so it is recommended that all students bring an Ethernet cable with them for the summer.
All UF-SSTP students also have access to the campus computer labs where internet access is available.
Will I have access to a landline phone in the residence hall?
No. UF residence halls no longer offer phone services. For this reason, all students attending SSTP must bring a cell phone.
My best friend has also been invited to attend the program. May we room together?
No. It is our policy not to room friends and/or students from the same school/county in the same suite. The UF-SSTP is a college immersion experience.
I am a vegetarian. Can I be in a suite with other vegetarians?
Yes. Roughly 20% of our participants are vegetarian and you will be assigned to a suite with at least one vegetarian suitemate.
Will students have access to on-campus gyms?
Around Beaty there are some outdoor recreational facilities, including basketball courts and soccer fields, which may be used by SSTP students. Additionally, students who have dual enrolled will have access to the Broward Outdoor Recreation Complex beginning the second week of the program. Student who do not dual enroll may pay a fee of $15 per week if they wish to use these facilities, payable to the University of Florida. Please be advised that students are not allowed to use the indoor gyms on campus.
Lab Assignments and Academics
When will I find out my research assignment?
Lab assignments will be announced the day after you arrive for the program. A campus-wide lab host recruit of UF research faculty begins in early spring and continues until the start of the program. Lab matches are made based on the areas of interest you indicate on your application form and the areas available for placement based on the response to the lab host recruit. It is important to understand that students’ interests and the particular research area of participating faculty are matched as closely as possible.
What happens if I don't like my research assignment?
Students are asked to give every effort to fulfill the obligation they have made to the program, including participating enthusiastically in the research area to which they are initially assigned. Any research assignment complaints are investigated immediately by the administrative staff. If there is a legitimate reason for moving a student, another assignment will be made. Students are not moved from assignments without good reason.
Will I be able to get a science fair project from this program?
The purpose of the UF-SSTP is to provide the student with a college-level research experience. In many cases the student is able to use the work they did in the program for science competitions, but that is not guaranteed nor is it the focus of this program.
What kind of school supplies do I need to bring?
You will be given a laboratory notebook to use for your research assignment, and a three-ring binder. You should bring any school supplies you typically use, such as pens, pencils, a calculator, highlighters, etc. Assignments (the research plan, abstract, research paper, etc.) must be submitted as word processed documents. You do not have to bring a computer with you, but students are allowed to bring laptops. You will be able to use the computer labs on campus, and in some instances, in your research area. This will provide sufficient opportunity for you to word process the products due.
Please note that students will be responsible for their printing costs during the program. The computer labs around campus and several off campus businesses offer printing services. Students are also permitted to have a printer in their room.
Travel
Will it be possible for me to miss some of the program in order to attend a family reunion, another school-related camp, etc.?
Due to the program’s rigorous scheduling, departures from the program are discouraged. It is difficult for the student to keep up with expected assignments and research if they miss any part of the program. One weekend is provided "off" (the weekend in conjunction with the 4th of July). If a onetime event, such as a family wedding, will be occurring during the program please talk to Christy Rodkin, the Coordinator for Youth Programs.
What are transportation options to and from Gainesville?
Gainesville has a local regional airport. American Eagle Airlines, Delta Connection/ASA and US Airways Express/PSA are the airlines that provide service to Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV). Silver Airways will start offering direct flights to/from Orlando and Tampa in April.
There are bus companies that provide round trip transportation from campus to South Florida and there is also a Greyhound bus station in Gainesville.
Can I bring my car to the UF-SSTP?
No. Students may not bring cars to the program. You are, however, encouraged to bring a bicycle if possible. Students will be able to use the campus and city buses with their Gator1 ID card.
