Faculty and graduate students in the institute are conducting research on workplace diversity, the effect of alternative dispute settlement procedures, new forms of work organization and workplace practices, the relationship between technology and workforce training, the role of different institutions and mechanisms for fostering worker voice and participation in the firm, and the evolution of employer-provided health benefits. In 1993, the institute was designated as one of the five consortium members in the newly created National Center for the Workplace. Established by the U.S. Department of Labor, the center supports applied policy research regarding the training, human resource management, and labor relations strategies appropriate to the new high-performance workplace. The IRRI program draws students from throughout the U.S. and the world. Enrollment ranges from 45 to 75 students, and the institute's small size ensures that each student receives individual attention from faculty.
Alumni working in many areas are also available to mentor students.
Financial Aid Financial aid is available in the form of teaching and project assistantships, fellowships, loans, and work study. Students must submit a separate application to the Office of Student Financial Services for loans and work-study awards. Assistantships are generally awarded to more advanced students, and fellowships are limited to the highly competitive, all-university awards. Students are encouraged to apply for the fall semester, but spring applications will also be accepted. Applicants must have undergraduate preparation in elementary statistics and introductory economics.