| Frequently Asked Questions
Some questions that you may have will probably be project specific, and will be best answered by the party you are considering working with on a project.
Please contact us with any questions not answered here.
Questions From Business:
Q. What type of projects can be posted?
Q. Is it difficult to set up a project with a student?
Q. Can you give an example of a project that would be done free of cost?
Q. Can you give an example of a project that would have a cost?
Q. How do I let a student(s) know that I am interested in them working on a project?
Q. How many hours a week does an individual student spend on a project?
Q. Who is responsible for the costs incurred to do a project?
Q. Are projects supervised by the university?
Q. How is confidentiality and proprietary rights protected when posting a project?
Q. Can we post multiple projects?
Q. Can we have students from different universities working on the same project?
Q. How long do projects last?
Q. Can I change my posting after it is listed?
Q. Are projects normally done by just one student?
Q. Am I allowed to hire a student after the completion of a project?
Q. Who owns intellectual rights to a project?
Q. Will I be required to meet with the student(s)?
Q. Our business is located outside the United States. Can we list a project?
Q. Does freeRandD.com provide any guarantees in respect to a student's performance on a project?
Questions From Students
Q. Can a team of students respond to a project posted by a business?
Q. Can a team of students submit a listing?
Q. Can I change my listing after I post it?
Q. I submitted my bio but do not see it on the Students for Projects list. Why?
Q. How do I let a firm know that I am interested in working on their project?
Q. Can I respond with my interest in multiple projects being posted by different business?
Q. What happens if I can not solve a technical problems associated with a project?
Q. I am a student attending a university outside the United States. Can I post my bio?
Q. Can my professor inquire about a posted project from industry that may be of interest to one or more of his/her students?
Questions From Business (click here for student questions)
Q. What type of projects can be posted?
A. Projects of any academic discipline can be posted. Projects may be of an engineering , business/marketing, agricultural, medical, environmental science nature, ect.
Q. Is it difficult to set up a project with a student?
A. Our experience is that setting up doing a project is relatively simple. You should ask the student you are considering doing a project with what the university they attend require. Each University has it’s own approach to doing a capstone project. A project with a smaller State University may be very simple. In contrast, it may be more involved if you are doing a project with a large nationally known university.
Q. Can you give an example of a project that would be done free of cost?
A. We would expect that projects that would be done free or close to free of cost would be; CAD design of a component or system, finite element analysis of a structure to optimize its performance and manufacturing costs, computer simulation of a system or scenario, development of a website, market research, developing a strategic business plan, ect...
Q. Can you give an example of a project that would have a cost?
A. Projects that require fabrication of a prototype injection mold, fabrication of an electrical or mechanical system, purchase of components or specialized testing equipment, traveling expenses, ect.
Q. How do I let a student(s) know that I am interested in them working on a project?
A. Respond directly to them via the email or phone number that they have provided. Discuss the project as needed, and any associated details that need to be discussed.
Q. How many hours a week does an individual student spend on a project?
A. Our impression is that a student spends from 10 to 20 hours per week. If of concern, you may wish to ask the student you are talking with if the University has an hourly commitment they are expected to make.
Q. Who is responsible for the costs incurred to do a project?
A. In general, you should not expect a student or the University to be responsible for any out of pocket expenses. For example, if it is a straight forward analytical paper study, any cost incurred will probably be minimal, if any at all. If hardware has to be fabricated and components purchased, you should expect to pay for it or provided the material required. We advise that you address any anticipated costs upfront with the student and establish an understanding who is responsible for them. Some universities do request/require that a contribution/fee be made to the university to offset the project costs.
Q. Are projects supervised by the university?
A. Students normally have a professor that oversees teh project. The professor usually ensures that the student is doin a project that fits within and meets the academic program requirments, assists the student(s) on any technical questions, ensures progress is being made in a timely fashion, and ultimately grades the student(s) performace on the project.
Q. How is confidentiality and proprietary rights protected when posting a project?
A. We suggest a two-step process. The first step is to post a project in general terms and skills needed. For example, you can define a project that requires the ability to design and fabricate a circuit board that has certain characteristics and capabilities, and requires certain skills. You can avoid defining it as a circuit board intended for a new type of ink jet printer, etc...
If you find a student(s) interested in working on the project, you could than establish a Non-Disclosure Agreement and than go into further detail about the project. University students work with industry on a regular basis on proprietary projects. If the project is confidential or proprietary, it is important that the parties involved discuss this upfront and ensure no issues or problems occur.
Q. Can we post multiple projects?
A. Yes. Please post them separately.
Q. Can we have students from different universities working on the same project?
A. Yes. If you find yourself being impressed by several students from different universities, you can sponsor one or all of them.
Q. How long do projects last?
A. Based on the requirements of the university, projects normally have to be completed within 1 to 2 semesters depending on the program.
Q. Can I change my posting after it is listed?
A. Yes. You can change the listing twice free of charge by resubmitting the posting with the changes. Be sure to check the box titled Update To Existing Posting.
Q. Are projects normally done by just one student?
A. No. Some projects are done by just one student. Some Universities offer the option and/or require students to work in a team approach.
Q. Am I allowed to hire a student after the completion of a project?
A. An objective of freeRandD.com is that a business can identify potential future employees.
Q. Who owns intellectual rights to a project?
A. If this is of concern, we advise you to establish a clear understanding with the student and university in advance of starting a project.
Q. Will I be required to meet with the student(s)?
A. Ask the student you are considering doing a project with what is expected. If you are working with a University that is in another state or country, it may be possible to fulfill any requirement via video conferencing.
Q. Our business is located outside the United States. Can we list a project?
A. Yes. You do need to show in your posting the country you are located in.
Q. Does freeRandD.com provide any guarantees in respect to a student's performance on a project?
A. No. It is your responsibility to chose a student who is adequately qualified and to state your qualifications clearly.
Questions From Students
Q. Can a team of students respond to a project posted by a business?
A. Yes.
Q. Can a team of students submit a listing?
A. Yes. On the form for Posting a Bio, under the heading "Students or Team Representative", enter one student's name as the team representative. This person will become the point of contact for industry if they wish to contact the team. You should also include a description of the team under the heading on the form titled "Special Skills, Knowledge, and/or Description of Team."
Q. Can I change my listing after I post it?
A. Yes. You can change the listing twice, free of charge, by resubmitting the posting with the changes. Be sure to check the "Change" box on the Students for Projects form.
Q. I submitted my bio but do not see it on the Students for Projects list. Why?
A. Once submitted, your bio will be reviewed to make sure it includes the requested information. Please allow up to 48 hours for your bio to appear on the list. You must also be a student at a university to submit a bio. You will be notified as soon as possible if we discover you've not submitted the requested information or are not eligible to participate. If you do not see your bio appear after 48 hours and have not received a response from us, please contact us.
Q. How do I let a firm know that I am interested in working on their project?
A. Respond directly to them via the email or phone number that they have provided. Discuss the project as needed, and any associated details that need to be discussed.
Q. Can I respond with my interest in multiple projects being posted by different business?
A. Yes, but please contact a business immediately if you are no longer available.
Q. What happens if I can not solve a technical problems associated with a project?
A. Discuss the problem with your advisor and the project sponsor.
Q. I am a student attending a university outside the United States. Can I post my bio?
A. Yes. You do need to show in your bio what country you are in.
Q. Can my professor inquire about a posted project from industry that may be of interest to one or more of his/her students?
A. Yes. We encourage professors to promote the projects found here. Simply inform the business upfront that you are a faculty member contacting then on behalf of your students.


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