Our mentors are faculty and staff members from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.
Current Mentors
2008
Previous Mentors
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
We consider mentors to be one of the most important aspects of the McNair Scholars Program. In order to make the program a successful and intellectually stimulating experience for both scholars and faculty, the McNair Scholars staff has some recommendations.
We request mentors provide the following when working with McNair Scholars:
Be directive. Work closely with the scholar:
Meet early and frequently in second semester to select a topic & formulate a research project
Guide the literature review
Determine and guide the research methodology process with the student
Complete the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process with the student if appropriate
Discuss the scholar's responsibility and time commitment involved in data gathering and analysis. Determine how data will be analyzed (if will use SPSS, etc.)
Assist the scholar to establish realistic goals for the project, enabling students to meet the deadlines and to work within the timeframe allowed for the research project.
Read, edit and provide input into:
The scholar's research proposal - due: February 24, 2006
Annotated bibliography - due: April 28, 2006
Research paper drafts - First draft due: June 2, 2006
Second draft due: June 23, 2006
Third draft due: July 14, 2006
Final paper - due: August 4, 2006
Mentors must sign off on each of these to verify they have seen and approved of each one. The mentor's name will be cited along with the student's on the paper, at the poster session and in the McNair Scholars Journal.
Attend the Poster Session in the fall. Students greatly appreciate the support and encouragement they receive from their mentors.
Encourage and guide students toward publishing their research in professional journals in their field of study if appropriate. The added entry to their bibliography is a plus in the graduate application process.
Provide students with information on professional organizations they can join within their field.
Be available to the scholar for advice and consultation on academic, research and fields of graduate study. Discuss with students possible graduate schools for their interest area and encourage them to pursue graduate studies.
Demonstrate sincere interest in the intellectual development of the scholar.
Keep track of students' work by completing the Time and Effort worksheet monthly during spring semester and the summer. Please also complete a student and program evaluation at the end of the summer research period.
Make arrangements to keep in contact with students or have a colleague act as a proxy mentor to the student researcher if you will be unavailable for more than one week during the summer.
Report to the McNair Director any needs/concerns regarding either the student or the research process. Please do not hesitate to contact the McNair Director or Academic Coordinator if questions or concerns arise with your scholar(s). The McNair program office is located in Old Main 340, and the phone number is x8043.
Students are responsible for acting in a professional manner with regard to faculty mentors. As such, we have these guidelines for students:
Show up to appointments on time.
Call at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to make a scheduled meeting time.
Know which mode of communication will get to your mentor (Contact them via email? By phone? In person?)
Defer to your mentor's expertise in regard to your research methodology, writing style, and/or paper development.
Be a hard worker. Look, listen, and learn.
Communicate! Avoid misunderstandings by letting your faculty mentor know what you are doing and by asking for information when you are uncertain about procedures or what to do next.
Accept constructive criticism and resolve to act on it. Be open to feedback and incorporate the suggestions.
Absence, tardiness, failure to complete assigned tasks and excuses, no matter how valid, do not signify professional behavior. Organize your schedule so that excuses are not necessary.
Realize the help faculty give you can extend far beyond your research. They are valuable resources & can be very important to your future!