Research rotations also provide the faculty with an opportunity to evaluate the investigative performance and research potential of each student. The evaluations for each student are a major factor in NUIN's assessment of the student's progress in the first academic year. Rotation advisors report to the Student Advisory Committee at the end of each rotation by filing a Rotation Evaluation Form . Faculty and student discuss available research projects in the lab and decide on a rotation project that coincides with the student's interests. Meanwhile, faculty use several criteria to judge whether a student will prove to be an asset to their laboratory.
Projects often require students to work in the evening and on weekends.
Students are encouraged to seek out published information relating to their projects and to think critically about how their project relates to the overall scientific enterprise. Scientific research depends on effective communication among laboratory workers. Common sense, cooperation, and courtesy are essential qualities for the proper functioning of a research laboratory. The arrangements for independent research are made between the student and the faculty member. The obligation of approaching individual faculty members lies with the student.