Mentors
Information for UVM Faculty Members
An integral part of the McNair Scholars Program is to provide eligible undergraduate
students with enriching experiences that prepare them for post-baccalaureate study. One
of the more beneficial aspects of the program is for students at the junior and senior level
to participate in a research experience with key faculty on campus. In return for guidance,
supervision and expertise, the faculty mentor is eligible to develop and submit a budget proposal
for up to $1,500 in funds for allowable lab supplies and research-related materials that
directly support his or her McNair scholar.
The McNair Advisory Committee reviews all faculty proposals. Applicants should have
expertise in their fields of study and be involved with students from the eligible pool.
Faculty mentors must agree that they will work closely with undergraduate students in
both planning and finalizing their research projects. Faculty mentors also agree to
encourage students to use state of the art techniques to answer important questions
relevant to their academic disciplines.
Mentors are expected to perform the following responsibilities:
- Meet with the student intern on a regular basis - at least once a week
- Develop the intern's research / scholarship skills
- Supervise activities and assign tasks
- Provide motivation, support and direction
- Submit allowable expenses for purchase or reimbursement in a timely manner
- Take the intern to a professional conference the fall semester following the
summer research, if a quality conference is available
- Assist the intern with research proposals, conference itineraries and vouchers,
oral and poster presentations, research papers
- Evaluate the intern's research proposal, literature review, research paper,
mid-term and overall performance, as well as the program's effectiveness
Typical activities for McNair Mentors include some or all of the following:
- Involve the student in the day to day operations of their research program
- Direct the intern to appropriate seminars
- Guide the student into researching appropriate graduate schools and programs
- Introduce the student to pertinent professional organizations
- Involve the student in reviewing manuscripts and grant proposals
- Point out readings with which the student should become familiar
- Help the student structure a curriculum vita for inclusion in a graduate
school application
- Encourage the student to think critically, ask questions, express opinions
and respect different points of view
Click
here
if you would like to apply to be a McNair Faculty Mentor.
TRiO / McNair
The McNair Scholars Program is a federal Trio program funded through a grant from the
US Department of Education.
Last modified April 15 2009 12:31 PM
