Faculty Mentor Information:

The relationship between the Scholar and the faculty mentor is central to the McNair program. After acceptance into the program, Scholars are encouraged to meet with appropriate faculty members and to select one who is willing to serve as a mentor and, wherever possible, as the summer research supervisor. The mentor may be the student's advisor or another faculty member in the major department; a faculty member may mentor no more than two program participants.

Mentors introduce Scholars to the value of the academic life, the rigor required for scholarship, the joys of teaching, and the benefits associated with work as a professor. They provide an open learning environment and a dedicated example of an academic career and offer invaluable advice, guidance, and encouragement, specific for the Scholar's needs and interests. Through the summer research internship and other opportunities that arise, the mentor involves the Scholar in the process of conceptualizing and implementing research and presenting the results to the scholarly community. When possible, the mentor travels with the Scholar to regional or national conferences, inaugurating the Scholar in professional associations and introducing the Scholar to key persons in the field of study. Throughout the two years the mentor cultivates the Scholar's desire for learning and personal, academic achievement.

Mentor Responsibilities:

Meet weekly with their McNair Scholar(s)

Assess Scholar's academic skills and potential and help mitigate problem areas

Provide direction, affirmation, and in-depth advice about graduate study

Challenge the Scholar(s) to reach academic heights

Recommend reading, resource material, journals, literature in their field

Assist and encourage Scholars in conceptualizing and writing research proposals, developing research plans, and implementing research during the summer

Direct Scholar (s) in writing the research paper in the proper form, provide constructive criticism, and guide Scholar (s) in either submitting it for publication or presenting it at a conference

Involve Scholar (s) in classroom teaching or arrange for teaching experience within the academic department

Respond promptly to all McNair Program communications

Monitor student progress and hold the Scholar accountable for making progress

Notify the McNair coordinator, Njia Lawrence-Porter, at 715-425-3531 with any concerns about the Scholar.