And to add to Creekland’s fine post- check out the U’s infrastructure for supporting undergrad research. Is there a database that every student has access to which lists all roles? (some do, some don’t). Are there University provided stipends for research roles so that a student who needs to work for money can opt for a research position vs. a food service job? Is there an established system for housing over the summer for kids who stay on campus for a research job- and is it priced appropriately (i.e. won’t use up their entire stipend just paying for rent).
A U which has these things is both talking the talk AND walking the walk. It’s not enough that professors encourage students, it’s not enough that other students say “yeah, it’s easy to get a research position”. There needs to be infrastructure in place to allow students – and not just wealthy students- to participate.
One of my kids had the option in one of the research roles to choose cash or credits. During the semester- credits. It was “another class”, took it seriously, and got credit. During the summer- cash. Paid for housing and food, enough left over to fund what needed funding during the next school year.