Student Information

Immersive Scholars have three options to use their award:

  1. Work in research, scholarship or creative projects on campus with a faculty or staff member.
  2. Work at a community organization (non-profit organization or government agency) in the Lowell area.
    • The Immersive Scholars award used for a work experience is paid out in bi-weekly paychecks (taxes are removed from these paychecks) via the UMass Lowell university payroll.
    • Students must submit all required employment forms (Form W-4, Form I9 etc) to the Student Employment Office.
  3. Participate in an international experience approved through the UMass Lowell Office of International Experiences and Study Abroad.
    • If you intend to use the award for study abroad, you must meet with the Office of International Experiences and Study Abroad.
    • Up to $4,000 may be used toward one UMass Lowell approved international experience, and you must be accepted into a program via the UMass Lowell Office of International Experiences and Study Abroad.
    • Only approved expenses will be covered, and the funds will be disbursed during the term in which you participate in the program. Approved expenses include tuition, program fees, airline tickets, or any other required cost.

General Expectations for all Immersive Scholars

  • Students must attend the welcome orientation in October of freshman year, and select an award option by January 31 of freshman year.
  • Students must attend the Immersive Scholars professional development trainings in the spring of freshman year.
  • Scholars selecting a work option must apply with their resume to Immersive Scholars positions on JobHawk for on-campus and off-campus positions.
  • Scholars selecting an international experiences must meet with Office of International Experiences and Study Abroad staff.
  • All Immersive Scholars create a mentor-approved poster or video presentation for the Immersive Scholars program and the spring Student Research and Community Engagement Symposium.
  • Enjoy your experience! Use this opportunity to learn as much as you can. It will provide a foundation for future UMass Lowell opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if I do not select either a work experience or international experience?

Your award is forfeited if it is not used within the allotted time.

When can I use my award?

Immersive Scholars can use their award the summer before sophomore year OR during the sophomore academic year.

What if I don't see any jobs on JobHawk that I am interested in?

Immersive Scholars also have the option of creating a custom Immersive Scholars work experience with a faculty or staff member or a community partner.

How do I receive my award money?

Students who choose the work option will be paid by university payroll at an hourly rate. The Immersive Scholars award of up to $4,000 covers approximately 235 hours of work, and students cannot exceed that amount.

Students who choose an international experience will have their award applied to the cost of the program chosen.

Why are taxes removed from my $4,000 if I choose a work experience?

Students who select the work experience option are paid bi-weekly as an hourly employee. Taxes and other state and federal required expenses are removed first, much of which you determine when you complete your W-4. This is the same as for anyone employed in Massachusetts.

Do I have to complete my I-9 in person? Do I need to have original documents?

Yes, this is Federal Law.