McNair Scholars
Faculty Mentors
Mentor Responsibilities: Research Fellowship
During the Fall semester, Mentors will discuss research ideas and possibilities with the mentee to sketch out a project that is interesting and that can be developed into a research proposal. The mentee will need guidance to develop realistic timelines and strategies for completing the research project (particularly given other program and academic commitments). In order to best assist the mentee, we ask that you:- Provide instruction, direction, challenge, and support to the mentee during the research execution,
- Provide students with meaningful recommendation letters (mentors can write recommendation letters for as many students as they want per quarter/year),
- Offer informal guidance and direction regarding –
- The graduate school experience,
- The rewards and challenges of the faculty role (if pursuing a professorate),
- Realistic and appropriate job prospects for the student once they complete the doctoral degree,
- Networking possibilities,
- Regional & national conference opportunities within their (and your) discipline,
- Ensure that the mentee is familiar with appropriate and realistic graduate programs,
- Check-in with the student's educational action plan progress,
- Monitor the mentee's research activities and provide feedback,
- Present the mentee with examples of professional writing within your field,
- Support and challenge the mentee and assist them with writing a high-quality research article,
- Attend and participate in the annual CWU Source, the Symposium of University Research and Creative Expression held in May,
- Offer assistance and encouragement to the mentee as they prepare to present their research findings at a symposium, colloquium, or other academic conferences,
- Complete an evaluation so that we may assess the student's and the program's strengths and weaknesses.
Meeting With Your Mentee
We have found that Scholars are most comfortable (and best kept on track) if mentors meet with them in person at least once a week. Obviously, depending on the nature of the research and the needs of the student, you may need to meet with the student more often. Please meet with the mentee more often if you feel it necessary or if you so desire. Mentors should expect to meet with mentees more than they usually do while the students are doing their summer fellowship.
Summer Fellowship
Many McNair mentors regard the summer fellowship as an independent study. However, you should be aware of significant differences regarding the work expectations of McNair students as opposed to students participating in other programs or projects where a research study is the sole focus. In addition to their research, McNair fellows may be devoting significant time to weekly classes and meetings. Fellows are awarded a summer research stipend of up to $2,800 and may be provided an allowance for room and board if they live on campus during the summer. These enable students to devote significant effort to the program. Money for research supplies for the scholar will also be available.
Forms
Mentor Guide (pdf)CWU News
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