Connect With Us
If you don’t see your question answered, please contact fri@utexas.edu and include your EID in your message.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Browse questions by topic below.
FRI APPLICATION & WAITLIST
How do I apply to FRI?
Entering first year students can find more information and apply here.
If you are a transfer or advanced student, you can apply to join an advanced stream in the spring, or complete a volunteer internship during the summer.
Learn more:
I am on the FRI Waitlist. Will I be contacted with updates?
I did not get into FRI. What do I do now?
Stay Connected & Explore Experiential Learning
FRI is just ONE of the many opportunities to engage with undergraduate research. Whether you're currently on the waitlist, didn't receive a stream placement, or looking for new activities, we encourage you to discover experiential learning and other opportunities at UT. Exploring your options and interests can help you build skills and stay connected as you move forward!
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Experiential Learning in CNS
Explore undergraduate research, study abroad, and other ‘learning by doing’ opportunities available through the College of Natural Sciences. - Impact Lab & Hello Maker Studio
Discover additional opportunities to build, create, and engage in hands-on learning through undergraduate seminars and practicum courses focused on design, innovation, and real-world problem solving. - Need more Guidance?
CNS Undergraduates can make a “Research Opportunities Advising" Appointment with the Office of Experiential Learning team in 12twenty@Texas.
STREAM REGISTRATION & COURSE CREDIT
When will the Stream Sort form be open?
Every year, we publish the Stream Sort form on our website one week before the first day of fall registration.
I did not submit a Stream Sort Form in October, can I still be a part of FRI?
FRI admitted students who did not fill out a stream sort form when it was open in October are welcomed to fill out a Late Form. Students may be offered streams that have available seats. The late form does not open until the stream sort form submission period has ended.
My registration window is before the stream placement notification. What do I do?
Your seat in your FRI stream is reserved. You may register for the course once registration opens again.
How do I register for my stream?
In your stream placement email, you will be provided with the associated course unique number(s). You may add the course during a registration window.
I am unable to add my FRI course to my schedule during registration. What do I do?
Common Registration Issues:
- Restricted by Department
Email fri@utexas.edu indicating the issue and include your EID, course number, and unique number.
- Does not meet Prerequisites
Email fri@utexas.edu to request a prerequisite waiver. Include your EID, course number, and unique number.
If you are unable to add your FRI course for another reason, please reach out to fri@utexas.edu.
Briefly explain the issue and include your EID, course number, & unique number.
Adding my FRI course will exceed the hours on my course schedule. What do I do?
Students must have a 3.0 GPA and have not Q-dropped a class in the previous semester to be approved to exceed hours (>17 hours).
Email your academic advisor to request approval. If you are a first semester student, you must wait until December or January for approval (after your grades are submitted). Your seat in FRI will be reserved until the approval process is complete.
I have a time conflict with my stream placement. What are my options?
Most of our streams require that you attend the course meeting time listed. Contact the Research Educator (RE) of the specific stream to discuss your options.
If you are required to be at the class meeting, you can try to adjust your schedule to accommodate the course. FRI will hold your seat during this time.
If you cannot adjust your schedule, fill out a Stream Switch Form.
I already have the course credit for the stream I was placed in. What are my options?
Streams do not offer additional course credit options outside of those listed on our website. Credit options are also subject to change.
If you have the stream's course credit from outside of UT (AP, community college, etc.) you can opt to participate in your stream and enroll in the course credit available or fill out a Stream Switch Form.
We recommend you keep this information in mind when selecting streams for your Stream Sort form.
I am an FRI admitted student and did not receive a stream assignment notification. What do I do?
FRI admitted students who submitted a stream sort form and received a confirmation by the deadline should receive your stream assignment by early November. Check your spam folder.
Contact fri@utexas.edu and include your eid if you cannot find your stream notification.
Stream Sort is ongoing until the first-class day in January. Students on the FRI waitlist will be contacted with updates between registration and add/drop in January.
Can I audit an FRI/ARI Stream?
We do not allow students to participate in a FRI stream without enrolling in the course.
Can I petition for my FRI course to count for a different course credit?
Streams do not offer additional course credit options outside of those listed on our website. Credit options are also subject to change.
Petitions and Student Records Information
Students may work with their academic advisor to discuss options to petition for a course. FRI does not petition on behalf of or provide advising for students.
STREAM SWITCH
How does the Stream Switch Process work?
If you have a course conflict with the stream you've been placed in or you feel very strongly that you need to change streams, fill out the Stream Switch Form.
Students may fill out a Stream Switch form. Not all stream switches are guaranteed. Students may be offered streams that have open seats available only.
Switch notifications are sent between registration and add/drop in January.
If we cannot offer you a stream switch that you prefer, you can choose to stay in your stream or not participate.
Additional Notes:
- We do not switch students via email.
- We do not provide suggestions for stream options based on a student's schedule.
- Students can choose not to continue participation in their stream after spring semester, but may not switch to a new stream in the fall semester.
Students must indicate their intent for stream participation (you will receive an email) in January of spring semester to hold your seat, otherwise your seat will be given to another student.
When will I receive a Stream Switch approval?
On the form, you will be able to indicate your stream switch preferences, but not all stream switch requests are guaranteed. Students are offered streams that have open seats available only.
Switch notifications are sent between registration and add/drop in January.
We encourage you to register for your current stream placement in the case your stream switch request may not be granted.
ACCELERATED RESARCH INITIATIVE (ARI) - Upper Level & Transfer Students Only
I submitted an ARI stream sort form and did not receive a Stream Notification. What do I do?
FRI streams are sorted before ARI streams.
ARI stream notifications may be received by mid-November.
Stream Sort is ongoing until the first-class day in January. We recommend you register for your other classes and adjust your schedule during add/drop if you are offered a seat in an ARI stream.