Round River projects are open to students who possess a keen interest in participating in a field conservation effort. Students working as research assistants, perform field duties during twelve-week research periods. Students also read extensively, participate in lectures and group discussions and complete written assignments and exams.
During each research period five to eight research assistant positions for students are available. Small research crews are necessary to not only better insure quality instruction and research, but also, to limit our own footprint on the environment.
Applicants are required to submit an application form, a personal statement, college transcripts, and a $50 application fee. Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college/university or have successfully completed an undergraduate degree. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 is expected, however, if you are in good standing at your college, you are encouraged to apply. All applications are reviewed individually on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Academic Credit
A mix of academic courses help students to look at their relationship with the natural world from a variety of perspectives, from the scientific lens of conservation biology to the intuitive lens of literature. For each twelve-week project, students earn 15 semester hours in conservation biology, nature writing, biological field methods, and environmental policy. Utah State University oversees course developments and evaluations, assists with project research and provides faculty review and transcripts of student credit. Each Round River student research assistant is enrolled as a student at Utah State University. Grades are recorded at Utah State, and transcripts are issued which meet accepted standards for transferability.
Deposits, Tuition and Fees
Round River meets the expenses of its conservation projects through a combination of tuition charges, foundation grants, contracts and private donations. Round River student costs are $13,500 for twelve-week programs and $7,500 for six-week summer programs. Utah State University registration fees are $420 payable to the University prior to program initiation. This total includes tuition charges, project research fees, room and board, and ground transportation during the program. The student cost total does not include transportation to and from the project site nor personal expenses during the project.
A non-refundable deposit is required no later than 10 days following
notification of acceptance. Full tuition is due sixty days prior to program initiation unless other payment arrangements are made. Round River provides group camping equipment and research equipment. Personal gear including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, and clothing is the responsibility of the student. Upon acceptance to a program, an equipment and clothing list is forwarded that is specific to the requirements of the project.
Application and registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If a student withdraws less than 60 days prior to the start of a course, Round River will retain 75% of the tuition. The non-refundable deposit is transferable for up to one year to another Round River program. No tuition refunds are made after the 1st day of the program. All programs, fees, and dates are tentative until verified by Round River in writing. Round River reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant if the student is deemed unsuited for the research project for any reason.
Conducting ecological research and studying abroad is not without its risks and these risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. Each Round River student must acknowledge that hiking, camping, traveling and backpacking entails known and unanticipated risks that could result in physical or emotional injury or death. Each student must assume full responsibility to investigate and appreciate fully all such risks before participating in any activity with Round River.
