Research assistantships are voluntary positions that require several hours of work each week (between 3-6 hours depending on the specific team). Currently, most professors in the department have active research teams. Typical tasks include literature searches in the library, collecting data, coding, editing, and occasionally manuscript writing/revising/editing. Students are often asked by the professors to work with them on the teams; however, if you are interested in working on a professor’s research team, have a strong academic record and a history of excellent time management skills, you are encouraged to share your interest with that professor.