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Program Details

A four-year program that moves students from having limited experience and exposure in a field to the point where they engage, discover and create on their own under the advisement of a faculty mentor. The scholars will work closely with and assist professors with engaging research and creative endeavors. The Fellows will be awarded a research scholarship in each of the four years. During the first year, all students will enroll in research seminar courses offered in Honors; here they will be exposed to research among various disciplines and learn about doing research. During the first two years, each scholar will be a research assistant for a professor and participate in monthly seminars to explore ways to build on their educational experiences. In the third and fourth years, Fellows will undertake an individual project chosen by the student in consultation with their faculty mentor and will have an opportunity to disseminate their work at the end of the fourth year. Throughout the four years, scholars will be invited to participate in group activities such as parties, community service activities, or community-based research. Continuation in the Fellows program is conditional on meeting the minimum criteria set forth below and recommendations of faculty mentors.

Details

Research Assistant Scholarships

Year 1: $1000 scholarship ($500 each semester)

Year 2: $1000 scholarship ($500 each semester)

Year 3: $1000 scholarship ($500 each semester)

Year 4: $1000 scholarship ($500 each semester)

 

*The scholarships will be in addition to any scholarships earned or research grants awarded. Institutional funds granted to a student cannot exceed the amount set annually by President's Council. Scholarships amounts exceeding cost of student tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for classes may be subject to tax, which shall be the responsibility of the student.

Minimum Scholarship Requirements

  1. Maintain a full-time course load (at least 12 credit hours)
  2. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  3. Enroll in two, 1 credit hour courses offered out of Honors that are specific to this program (Being a Research Assistant and Doing Research). One course will be offered in the fall and the other in the spring semester.
  4. A letter of reappointment from a faculty mentor: the faculty mentor will comment on the Fellow's commitment, responsibility, and motivation.

 

*Individual student-mentor relationship may be changed to ensure optimal engagement.

Apply for Fellows Program

 

Program

Year 1:
The Fellows will attend two orientation seminars per semester, which may include attending a seminar as part of the Engaged Learning Series. During the first year (fall semester), Fellows are required to enroll in a course that will introduce them to research across the disciplines. In this course, the scholars will be exposed to scientific discovery and creativity. While taking this course, students will interview professors about their research or creative processes. During the spring semester of the first year, the Fellows will take a one-credit research assistantship course which will provide research assistant ideas and expectations for year 2. 

Year 2:
Each Fellow will be assigned a faculty mentor who does research in an area that potentially overlaps with the student’s interest.[1] The scholars will work closely with faculty mentors as research assistants (RAs) designed to introduce students to specialized fields or research methods. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, RAs may engage in directed readings or conduct research. With the aid of a faculty mentor, students will begin to explore ideas for their research or creative endeavor project and identify needs for funding the project. If appropriate, a student will apply for an undergraduate research grant to begin their research during the spring and summer semesters. Additionally, the scholars will mentor first-year scholars, offering peer support and advice.

Year 3:
Beginning in the third year, all students will undertake an individual project chosen by the student in consultation with their faculty mentor. Additionally, the Fellows will mentor first and second-year scholars, offering peer support and advice. The scholars will identify funding needs to complete their independent work and given opportunities to apply for undergraduate research grants. Additionally, the scholars will continue to mentor incoming scholars, offering peer support and advice.

Year 4:
In the fourth year, the Fellows will continue with their project and continue to mentor other scholars. The Fellows will be given opportunities to disseminate their work. Additionally, the scholars will continue to mentor incoming Fellows, offering peer support and advice. The Fellows Program will host a couple of gathering events including beginning-of-year and end-of-year celebrations.

 

*During the second semester of every year, we will meet weekly and enjoy pizza!
*Each year, fellows will track all their activities in this program to build a co-curricular academic transcript in addition to their academic transcripts.