2015-2016 Handbook
McNAIR SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Inspiring Innovation. Learn more at www.uwstout.edu/mcnair
MCNAIR SCHOLARS PROGRAM HANDBOOK
© Copyright 2015
Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
University of Wisconsin-Stout
802 South Broadway St
Bowman 400
Menomonie, WI 54751
Production of this manual was made possible through funding by the
U.S. Department of Education.
The McNair Scholars Program is a TRIO Program.
The McNair staff members are in their offices year-round 8-12 and 1-4:30.
The McNair Program Office is located in 400 Bowman Hall /715.232.5491
Program Director-424 Bowman Hall / 715.232.5940
Grant # P217A090215
This Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
is federally funded at $220,000 annually.
Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program
The University of Wisconsin–Stout
Celebrating seven years with McNair at University of Wisconsin–Stout
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (2)
CONTENTS
MCNAIR OVERVIEW
Program Welcome (4)
U.S. Department of Education TRIO Programs (5)
Ronald E. McNair, PhD (6)
Services Available to McNair Scholars (7)
Expectations of McNair Scholars (8)
Getting the Most Out of the Program (9)
McNair Scholars Program Timeline (10)
Workshop Topics and Professional Organizations & Honor Societies (13)
McNair Scholar Travel Funding and Guidelines (14)
FIRST YEAR COHORT
Research Timeline— 1st Year Cohort (15)
Spring Semester Research Timeline (16)
Summer Semester Research Timeline (17)
Internship Guidelines (18)
Guidelines for Research Involving Human Subjects (19)
Composing a Research Paper (20)
Cover Letter Format (21)
Writing an Abstract (22)
Writing a Literature Review (23)
Payment for Research Experience (24)
SECOND YEAR COHORT
Peer Mentor Program and Graduate Fee Waivers (25)
Undergraduate Research Poster Sessions (26)
Applying to Graduate Programs and GRE (27)
Additional Information & Resources (28)
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (3)
PROGRAM WELCOME
Scholars,
Congratulations on your acceptance into the Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program at the
University of Wisconsin—Stout! I am happy to welcome you to a highly successful and supportive program that
will guide you through your journey to graduate school. You have been selectively chosen for your academic
excellence and interest in graduate studies and I am happy to be a part of your scholastic journey.
The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded grant that prepares undergraduates for graduate school. The
program will be with you from now until your graduation date and is designed to enhance your professionalism,
your research skills, your knowledge of graduate school, and your academic confidence. All activities have
been designed to prepare you for the application process and for success in graduate programs (particularly with
Ph.D. granting institutions).
Our goals and our values center around you. We want to prepare you to be the best scholar you can be. For that
purpose, we have an open door policy. You can see either me or Jennifer Giesking anytime and we hope that
you keep in good contact for the remainder of the program.
I am excited for the upcoming year and for your journey to doctoral studies!
Dr. Sarah Wynn
Director of the McNair Scholars Program
424 Bowman Hall
(715) 232-5490
wynns@uwstout.edu
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (4)
US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TRIO PROGRAMS
The University of Wisconsin-Stout received an initial four-year grant through the U.S. Department of Education
for the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program in October 2009. In October 2013, this
grant was renewed to a five-year grant projected through 2018. It is now one of 158 McNair programs and is
part of the federal
TRIO system.
The Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program is a graduate school preparatory program
which began its services nationally to students in the 1989 academic year. Since its inception, more than 20,000
McNair scholars participated in the program and over 100 McNair scholars earned a doctoral degree. McNair
serves low-income, first-generation college students, and students historically underrepresented in graduate
school, encouraging them to consider careers in college teaching and to prepare them for doctoral study.
Programs focus on students who are traditionally underrepresented in graduate studies who are motivated and
academically ready to prepare for doctoral studies. There are currently 12 McNair programs in Wisconsin:
Beloit College, Marquette University, Ripon College, UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, UWMilwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, UW-Superior, and UW-Whitewater.
A particular focus of the McNair program is providing research opportunities for students. Students are paired
with faculty research mentors able to facilitate each student’s academic goals. Students are provided with
in-depth information on the graduate school application process through seminars and internships, and are
networked with professionals in their field through membership in professional organizations.
TRIO Programs operate at more than 1,000 colleges and universities including UW-Stout. Their mission is
to increase the retention and graduation rates of the low-income, first-generation students enrolled,
as well as to increase the number of students transferring from two-year to four-year institutions.
Students are provided academic counseling, personal support, tutoring and remedial
instruction.
TRIO refers to a group of more than 2,800 education programs in the nation funded
by the U.S. Department of Education. These programs include 826 Upward Bound
programs, 166 Upward Bound Mathematics/Science programs, 51 Veterans Upward
Bound, 454 Educational Talent Search programs, 158 Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Programs, 947 Student Support Services, 126 Educational
Opportunity Centers, and 6 Training Grants.
TRIO programs help approximately 790,000 low-income Americans each year. Twothirds of TRIO students come from families with incomes of less than $33,075 (family
of four) per year. Most are the first in their family to attend college and many must
overcome tremendous class, social and financial barriers in order to participate in higher
education. The demographic breakdown of TRIO participants is: 35% are White, 35% are
African American, 19% are Hispanic, 4% are Native American, 3% are Asian American, and 4%
are listed as “Other,” including multiracial students. More than 7,000 students have a disability, and
6,000 U.S. Veterans are currently enrolled in TRIO programs. TRIO programs are able to serve only about
5% of eligible students in the nation.
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (5)
RONALD E. MCNAIR, PH.D
Ronald Erwin McNair was born October 21, 1950 in Lake City, South Carolina. In 1971 he attended North
Carolina A&T State University and graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. degree in physics. In 1976 he
attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated with a Ph.D. in laser physics.
His dissertation title was: Energy Absorption and Vibrational Heating in Molecules Following Intense Laser
Excitation.
McNair soon became a recognized expert in laser physics while working as a staff physicist with Hughes
Research Laboratory. He was selected by NASA for the space shuttle program in January 1978 and was a
mission specialist aboard the January 1984 flight of the Space Shuttle US Challenger.
In addition to the above academic achievements, McNair received three honorary doctoral degrees: an honorary
Doctorate of Laws from North Carolina A&T State University in 1978, an honorary Doctorate of Science from
Morris College in 1980, and an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of South Carolina in 1984.
He received many fellowships and commendations, including:
ംം Presidential Scholar, 1967-1971
ംം Ford Foundation Fellow, 1971-1974
ംം National Fellowship Fund Fellow, 1974-1975
ംം Omega Psi Phi Scholar of the Year, 1975
ംം NATO Fellow, 1976
ംം Distinguished National Scientist - National Society of Black Professional Engineers, 1979
ംം Friend of Freedom Award, 1981
McNair also held a fifth degree black belt in karate and was an accomplished jazz saxophonist. He was married
and had a son and a daughter.
After his death in the US Challenger Space Shuttle accident in January 1986, members of Congress provided
funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program to encourage income eligible and
first generation college students, and students from groups historically underrepresented in graduate
school to expand their educational opportunities and to pursue graduate studies.
This program is dedicated to the high standards of achievement inspired by Dr.
McNair’s life.
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (6)
SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MCNAIR SCHOLARS
The McNair Scholars Program provides a system of integrated services to help develop your academic, research
and communication skills. The program provides support services, activities, and experiences that represent an
investment in your future. We are committed to seeing you succeed and in return expect a firm commitment
from you. We look forward to working with you and your research mentor, and to helping you achieve your
academic goals!
Scholars are provided with many services through
the McNair Program to assist with the following
processes:
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Identify and secure a paid summer research position
Prepare and complete a quality research paper
and/or project
Identify and obtain information about appropriate
graduate programs
Learn about graduate school terminology
and structure
Prepare for and take the Graduate Records Exam
Learn about scholarships, assistantships and
fellowships for graduate study
Prepare applications or scholarship forms and edit
personal statements
Secure letters of recommendation for graduate
school applications
Apply, interview, and make decisions about
acceptance into graduate programs
In addition, you will receive the following:
ംം Academic Year Workshops
ംം Summer Workshops
ംം Graduate Records Exam Prep Workshops
ംം One Week Summer Event: Intensive seminars in which you will begin writing your personal statement for graduate school, receive information from guest speakers, and prepare for research dissemination
ംം Publication of your Research: Journal of Student
Research or Discipline-specific Journals
ംം Attendance and Presentation at
Conferences—local, state and national
ംം Information on Funding and Financial Literacy
ംം Group and Individual Graduate School Visits
ംം Career and Academic Advising/Mentoring
ംം Referral to Additional Campus Resources
ംം Tutoring
ംം Cultural and Leadership Events
ംം Coordinating Services with University and
Regional Programs
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (7)
EXPECTATIONS OF MCNAIR SCHOLARS
Professional behavior is a key skill for a successful McNair Scholar. The level of commitment of McNair
Scholars is high, but the amount of preparation for graduate school is rewarded tenfold.
You are expected to attend ALL seminars and keep ALL appointments with your Research Mentor, the McNair
Program Director and Advisor. The most important activities that you can engage in while a McNair Scholar are
communication and developing a positive attitude. We are here to work with you and to help prepare you for
your future goals. Use us as resources, but also use us as a support system.
Monthly
You will have individual advising appointments with
the McNair Advisor on a one-week basis. If you are
unable to keep an appointment, please email in advance to reschedule.
Spring Semester
Every other week REQUIRED workshops will
focus on your preparation for research as well
as information on graduate school and career
preparation.
1st year Cohort students will be involved in
REQUIRED weekly deadlines related to research.
Summer
Twice a week REQUIRED GRE workshops will
focus on your preparation for the Graduate Records
Exam.
Every other week REQUIRED general workshops
will focus on research as well as information on
graduate school and career preparation.
1st year students will take the GRE in late summer.
During the summer you will work steadily and
consistently on gathering data, analyzing and writing
your research. Please note that receiving your
allowance is directly tied to the work you submit to
your mentor and the McNair office.
You will meet with your research mentor every other
week to discuss research activities. Your mentor will
verify the amount of time you spend on your research
project.
One Week REQUIRED Summer Event: Intensive
seminars in which you will begin writing your
personal statement for graduate school, receive
information from guest speakers, and prepare for
research dissemination.
Fall
Required workshops and meetings with the McNair
staff will continue.
2nd year Cohort students will prepare their projects
for publication, present their projects at local, state,
and national conferences, visit graduate schools, and
complete graduate applications.
1st year Cohort students will be involved in
REQUIRED deadlines related to research.
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (8)
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE PROGRAM
Successfully Working with Mentors
ംം If you are accepted to an off-campus research site, your research mentor will be at that location, but you will
also have an advisor at UW-Stout. For on-campus students, your mentor will be on-campus in your department.
ംം Exhibit interest and curiosity! These qualities are absolutely essential to achieving a genuine
mentoring relationship.
ംം Schedule and keep your appointments with your research mentors.
ംം Ask your mentor about opportunities in his/her field (i.e., internships, assistantships, grants, fellowships).
ംം Ask your mentor about graduate school. Where to apply? What will be expected of you? What should you
be doing now to ensure admission?
ംം Seek advice on how to approach potential graduate schools, how to find out about research being done, and
what questions to ask.
ംം Encourage your mentor to relate personal experiences from his/her educational history.
ംം Talk to your mentor about your professional goals.
Success in the McNair Program
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Build relationships with your fellow McNair scholars. The research community offers a chance for you to
expand your knowledge base alongside your peers.
Be a hard worker. Accept routine and arduous tasks. Your attitude should confirm the fact that you are there
to learn. Be willing to go the extra mile.
Communicate. Avoid misunderstandings by letting your research mentor and McNair staff know what you
are doing and by asking for information when you are uncertain.
Look, listen and learn. Observe those around you. Seek out people with skills and experience you want to
obtain and ask them questions. Learn and observe laboratory protocols. Follow procedures with precision.
Accept constructive criticism and resolve to act on it. Training a researcher is a difficult job that becomes
almost impossible when the trainee takes criticism personally.
Look for extra research and leadership opportunities that your research mentor or the McNair staff provides.
Absence, tardiness, failure to complete assigned tasks, and excuses, no matter how valid, do not emulate
professional behavior. Organize your schedule so that excuses are not necessary. If extenuating
circumstances do arise, speak to us in a timely manner so that we can work with you to resolve schedule and
program conflicts.
How Will the McNair Staff Members Communicate with Me?
ംം University email (you are expected to check your email on a daily basis)
ംം The UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program Facebook Page
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (9)
MCNAIR SCHOLARS TIMELINE
The Summer Prior to Your Junior Year
ംം Begin to explore the graduate programs for which you would like to apply
ംം Polish your computer skills
Your Junior Year (1st Year in the McNair Program)
Overall
ംം Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA
ംം Examine and explore academic career goals
ംം Continue exploring graduate programs
ംം Develop an Individual Plan (IP) and research plan
ംം Strengthen your mentoring relationships
ംം Meet with McNair Advisor, Jennifer Giesking, weekly
Fall Semester, Junior Year
ംം Fill out application paperwork
ംം Attend introductory workshop meeting
ംം Identify mentor and begin thinking about topics for research
Spring Semester, Junior Year
ംം Attend McNair Workshops held every other week
ംം Select a mentor early in the semester—the longer your relationship with your mentor, the better qualified he
she is to write a recommendation
ംം Research appropriate graduate programs
ംം Investigate national scholarships and fellowships
ംം Contact potential graduate faculty advisors
ംം Begin search for summer research opportunities
ംം Shape your Summer Research Project—apply to 3-5 REUs, complete outline for research, abstract/proposal,
IRB (if needed), introduction, and literature review outline
ംം Practice interviewing at Career Services (many programs require admissions interviews)
The Summer between your Junior and Senior Year
ംം Take GRE in early spring/late summer
ംം Participate in a summer research experience
ംം Complete Research Paper (literature review, discussion/conclusion, final draft)
ംം Develop list of 10-20 potential programs to attend
ംം Attend summer McNair workshops
ംം Attend Summer Week events
ംം Identify program deadlines for application
ംം Compose a draft of your Statement of Purpose
ംം Attend group graduate school visit
ംം Write/update your curriculum vita/resume
ംം Verify application/financial aid deadlines at all programs of interest
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (10)
Your Senior Year (2nd Year in the McNair Program)
Overall
ംം Prepare strong graduate school applications
ംം Apply to at least 5 graduate schools with at least one PhD (7-8 is preferred)
ംം Disseminate your research through publication and presentation
ംം Meet with McNair staff every other week
ംം Attend McNair workshops held monthly
September – October
ംം Ask 3-5 professors who know you well for a letter of recommendation—provide deadlines, program
information, resume/CV, and abstract of research
ംം Fill out on-line applications and complete financial aid documents
ംം Obtain official copies of your transcripts from all schools of record
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Continue correspondence, and building relationships with potential graduate schools
Put finishing touches on research for publication/presentation and draft poster
Attend and participate in McNair and SSA Retreat
Prepare and submit article to the UW-Stout Journal of Student Research or a discipline specific journal
November – December
ംം Submit application packets well before the deadline as most schools make decisions of admittance and
financial distribution on a first-come, first-served basis
ംം Send thank-you notes to all references
ംം Confirm your applications have arrived and are complete
ംം Forward test scores to schools of your choice
ംം Attend and participate in the National McNair Conference
ംം Attend Fall Senior Recognition
ംം Participate in graduate school visits (first-come, first-served basis)
ംം Participate in discipline specific conferences (first-come, first-served basis)
ംം If graduating in fall, fill out end of the year forms
ംം Register for Graduate/Professional School Financial Aid Service (GAPSFAS) if needed
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (11)
January – March
ംം Send updated transcripts
ംം Continue to search for fellowships and scholarships for extra financial support
ംം Complete your federal income tax return as soon as possible if you are applying for need-based financial aid
ംം Participate in graduate school visits and interviews (first-come, first-served basis)
ംം Participate in discipline specific conferences or Posters in the Rotunda/NCUR/UW-Symposium
ംം Attend Peer Mentor Introductory Meeting for 1st year McNair Students
ംം Put together your Plan B, consider other options—just in case you are not accepted, decide to defer, or do
not receive sufficient funding
April – May
ംം Discuss acceptances, rejections, and other career options with McNair Director, Advisor, and other resources
on campus
ംം If you decide to defer for a year, contact the graduate department concerning that possibility
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April 15—select your graduate program and notify the proper officials of your decision
Inform all schools of your decision as well as the references who have dutifully written excellent
recommendations on your behalf
Present your research as a poster at UW-Stout Research Day and perhaps UW System Symposium for
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity, Posters in the Rotunda and the National Conference for
Undergraduate Research
Attend the Spring Senior Recognition
Fill out all end of the semester forms
Celebrate the end of your journey at UW-Stout and the beginning of a new one!
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (12)
WORKSHOP TOPICS
Throughout the academic year and during the summer the McNair Program will be providing numerous
workshops. Unless you are off-campus doing research you are expected to attend all of the sessions. Some of
the topics to be covered include:
ംം Introductory Workshop over
Program Details and Expectations
ംം Research Topics
ംം Outlining Research
ംം Proposals and Sources
ംം Conclusions and Final Paper Formats
ംം Publication and Presentation
ംം What is Graduate School?
ംം Graduate School Exploration
ംം Graduate School Funding
ംം Resumes/ Curriculum Vitaes
ംം Test Anxiety
ംം Financial Literacy
ംം Interviewing Skills
ംം Networking and Online Presence
ംം IRB Process
ംം Research Introductions
ംം Literature Review
ംം Research Methodology
ംം Results, Statistics, and Discussions
ംം Choosing a Degree
ംം Graduate School Application Materials
ംം Personal Statements
ംം Letters of Recommendation
ംം Stress Management in Graduate School
ംം Time Management
ംം Cultural Competency and Diversity
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND HONOR SOCIETIES
Scholars are encouraged to join professional organizations in their field of interest as undergraduates. Ask your
mentor which professional organization you should join before entering graduate school. Many organizations
offer discounts for student members who enjoy the benefits of full membership.
Benefits of joining a Professional Organization as an Undergraduate:
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ംം
Membership fees are generally lower
You gain exposure to current issues and trends in your field
Memberships may include a journal or magazine which highlights people, ideas and significant trends in
your field
You may need to join a professional organization once in graduate school in order to qualify for insurance
such as malpractice insurance for those in the counseling and psychology fields
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (13)
MCNAIR SCHOLAR TRAVEL FUNDING
Graduate School Visits and Conferences
Scholars are encouraged to visit graduate schools and to attend professional conferences in their field of study,
both regionally and nationally. On average, the McNair Scholars Program funds $500 of travel per student
beyond group travel events.
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Funding is available for one discipline-specific conference per student per year
Must be accepted to present
McNair may pay for your faculty mentor to travel with you
Funding is available for one individual graduate school visits per senior
Must show personal statement for school of interest
Must show proof of meeting with faculty member
Some funding for travel is available, but scholars should be aware that funding is on a first come, first serve
basis and the program has a limited budget. If you would like to go to a conference or graduate school visit, the
sooner you inform the McNair director, the better. Second years are prioritized over first years and funding is
renewed in October.
Please be aware that:
ംം The McNair Staff will make travel arrangements. Arrangements made by yourself will not be reimbursed!
ംം You must save all itemized receipts when traveling. Costs without itemized receipts will not be reimbursed.
ംം You will be expected to adhere to university travel policies found at http://www.uwstout.edu/bfs/travel/.
McNair will NOT reimburse direct costs that are not directly related to conferences/ visits:
ംം Sightseeing Costs
ംം Transportation to Sightseeing Costs
ംം Extra Food Costs
ംം ANY Room Service
ംം ANY Hotel Cost Other Than Room
ംം Any Meal That Includes Alcohol
ംം Rental Cars
ംം Taxi Costs (Unless Prearranged)
McNair will reimburse direct costs of conferences and graduate school visits and may include:
ംം Flight Costs
ംം Baggage Fees for ONE bag per student
ംം Parking fees at Airport (NOT the terminal)
ംം Reasonable Transportation to Airport
ംം Reasonable Transportation to School/Event
ംം Meals (following university maximums)
ംം Registration for Conferences
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (14)
RESEARCH TIMELINE: FIRST YEAR COHORT
Research is demanding but exciting; it will give you excellent preparation for and a taste of the type of
work required in graduate school. Research should focus on a topic that you are interested in pursuing after
graduation and that can be completed in the time given. Use the timeline below as a plan to complete each of
the stages as indicated in the figure below.
(Students using human subjects, take special note of the timeline for the IRB in the Spring)
ംം Each deadline requires that your mentor and the McNair Director sign off on the work you are turning in
(use Cover Sheet form). If your mentor is physically unavailable, they may email a copy of the cover letter with their electronic signature to the McNair Director via email.
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Research papers range in length (but are a minimum of 25 pages).
By February, in collaboration with your mentor and the McNair Advisor, you should have clarified a
researchable topic and formed an outline.
First draft of your IRB is due March 11—your final IRB proposal should be submitted to Research
Services by March 25.
The summer (May–July) provides you focused time to complete your research—you will be
working steadily and consistently throughout the summer in collaboration with a research mentor. By mid
July you should have all your data collected and documented appropriately.
Funds may be available for research supplies—please contact the McNair Advisor before purchasing anything (you may not be reimbursed for items you purchase on your own).
Submit your final paper via D2L to the McNair staff. Submit paper via email to your mentor.
All final research papers will be submitted to the UW-Stout Journal of Student Research or a discipline specific journal. This journal is formatted like a professional journal to give you experience in manuscript writing.
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (15)
SPRING SEMESTER TIMELINE
RESEARCH PROJECT
INTERNSHIP
Fall Semester to January
ംം Apply to the McNair Program
ംം Complete Introductory Paperwork
ംം Dec. 22: Identify Mentor
ംം
Fall Semester to January
ംം Apply to the McNair Program
ംം Complete Introductory Paperwork
ംം Jan 1: Identify Mentor
February
ംം 5: Identify Topic
ംം 19: Outline of Research Due
March
ംം 4: Proposal and Working Bibliogrphy Due
ംം 11: IRB Rough Draft Due
ംം 25: Submit Final IRB
April
ംം 15: Introduction Due
ംം 29: Outline for Literature Review Due
February
ംം 5: Identify Internship Opportunities
ംം 19: List of Application Materials
March
ംം 13: 5 Internship Application Complete
April
ംം 10: Internship Applications Complete
ംം 24: Outline for Proposed Internship Due
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (16)
SUMMER SEMESTER TIMELINE
RESEARCH PROJECT
INTERNSHIP
June
ംം 3: 5 Pages of Literature Review Due
ംം 10: 8 Pages of Literature Review Due
ംം 17: Literature Review and Methodology Due
June
ംം 3: Introduction, Methodology, and Working
Bibliography Due
ംം 10: Literature Review Rough Draft Due
ംം 17: Literature Reivew and Methodology Due
July
ംം 8: Results and Discussion Rough Draft Due
ംം 31: Results and Discussion Final Draft
August
ംം 12: Final Paper with Conclusion Due
September
ംം Early: Rough Draft of Poster and PPT Due
ംം Late: Final Draft of Poster and PPT Due
October
ംം All month: Apply to Journal
November
ംം Early: National McNair Conference
July
ംം 8: Results and Discussion Rough Draft Due
ംം 31: Results and Discussion Final Draft Due
August
ംം 12: Final Draft Paper with Conclusion Due
September
ംം Early: Rough Draft of Poster and PPT Due
ംം Late: Final Draft of Poster and PPT Due
October
ംം All month: Apply to Journal
November
ംം Early: National McNair Conference
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (17)
INTERNSHIP GUIDELINES
Outline
Your internship should follow this general outline. You will be expected to:
ംം Have an internship at a university, business, or organization that contributes to doctoral study and
includes the development of skills and experiences that will be beneficial for graduate school and a
professional career.
ംം Write a “Research” or a “Justification” paper alongside the internship (see below).
ംം Have a faculty advisor on Stout’s campus that will help you devise and approve the paper.
Paper
The “Research” or “Justification” internship paper will:
ംം Be approximately 10-15 pages and contain an appropriate number of sources (at least 10).
ംം Be written stylistically and professionally.
ംം Follow the ultimate goal of poster presentations at conferences and submission to a journal.
ംം Be formatted in APA, MLA, or your discipline style guide.
ംം For the latest APA format and style guides go to: http://apastyle.org/
ംം For the latest MLA format and style guides go to: http://www.mla.org/
ംം Be a structured research paper OR be a justification of the skills and experiences you learned that will benefit you in graduate school.
ംം Contain a problem/solution dynamic.
The paper must include:
ംം Abstract
ംം Introduction
ംം Literature Review
ംം Methodology
ംം Data Findings/ Results/ Justifications
ംം Conclusions
ംം Appendices (if needed)
ംം References
UW-Stout McNair Scholars Program (18)
GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH INVOLVING HUMAN SUBJECTS
See the UW-Stout website for the Institutional Review Board for the latest instructions at:
http://www.uwstout.edu/rs/humansubjects.cfm
Research involving human subjects means research in which human participants will be surveyed, interviewed,
or contacted. If you use human subjects as part of your research, you need to get with your research mentor and
complete the IRB proposal. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee which reviews your research
to ensure the rights and welfare of human subjects are guaranteed.
This form must be completed in time for the IRB to review your proposal by March 25th (date is subject to change). Please be aware this is a detailed and time consuming part of the research. You will
need to have many variables within your study defined, so begin work on this with your mentor
late in February/ early in March. A final copy of your proposal must be submitted to the McNair
office.
When all stipulations have been met and the project approved by the IRB the researcher is
free to pursue the research. It is not necessary to inform the committee when the research is
complete. However, if there are any substantial changes in the research following approval that would have impact on human participants (e.g., switching from non-vulnerable to
vulnerable participants), the revision must be resubmitted for approval before the research
continues.
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COMPOSING A RESEARCH PROJECT
Your research paper should follow this general outline and should be written stylistically like a journal article
in your field. You may format the paper in APA, MLA, or your discipline’s style guide. Research Papers are at
least 25 pages, not including the cover page, abstract, appendices, or reference page. Papers should be in Times
New Roman, 12 point font, double-spaced (with NO spacing between paragraphs).
Abstract: All papers, regardless of format, will have
an abstract at the beginning (see page 23).
Introduction: This section provides background material and sets up your thesis.
Literature Review: This section organizes, summarizes and critically analyzes the major research relevant to your topic and sets the theoretical context for
your own research.
The main goal of the literature review is to provide
the substance for your hypothesis/model/research
problem. In other words, where did your hypothesis come from? For some qualitative research, the
hypothesis may come from initial observations: a
working hypothesis. What scholarly literature led you
to develop these hypotheses or this model? Guesses,
hunches, intuition, etc. are not scholarly or graduate-level, and not a part of the literature review. In
addition, keep editorial comments to yourself. Stick
to the facts gathered from prior research.
Methodology: How did you conduct your research?
Who did you talk to? How did you gather your data?
What survey instruments did you use?
Data/Findings/Analysis: What data did you collect?
How (statistically or otherwise) did you analyze it?
What did you find out?
Conclusions: What discoveries did you make? What
new understandings have resulted from this study?
What are the possible limitations of this study? What
questions arise as a result of the research/what future
research could be done?
Appendices: Relevant material that does not fit in the
text of your paper (e.g., survey instruments, etc.).
References: List only references cited in the paper.
Follow style guide format.
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RESEARCH PAPER COVER LETTER FORMAT
University of Wisconsin--Stout
The Dr. Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program
Spring-Summer 2016 Research Project
A Research Proposal
TITLE IN CAPS. IF TITLE IS LONG BREAK SO THAT
TITLE IS CENTERED
By
YOUR NAME
Submitted to the McNair Scholars Program
of University of Wisconsin--Stout
in Partial Fulfillment of the Program Requirements
Approved:
Your Mentor’s Name — Mentor
Department of Department Name
College of College Name
Dr. Sarah Wynn — Director
McNair Scholars Program
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WRITING AN ABSTRACT
An abstract is a brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of the article; it allows readers to survey an
article quickly and, like a title, is used by abstracting and information services to index and retrieve articles.
Most journals require an abstract.
A well-prepared abstract can be the most important paragraph in your article. Most people will have their first
contact with an article by seeing just the abstract, usually on a computer screen with several other abstracts, as
they are doing a literature search through an electronic abstract-retrieval system. Readers frequently decide,
on the basis of the abstract, whether to read the entire article. The abstract needs to be dense with information,
but also readable, well organized, brief, and self-contained. Include a keyword list below the abstract. A good
abstract is:
Accurate: Ensure that an abstract correctly reflects the purpose and content of the manuscript. Do not
include information that does not appear in the body of the paper. Comparing an abstract with an outline
of the paper’s headings is a useful way to verify the accuracy of an abstract.
Self-contained: Define all abbreviations (except units of measurement) and acronyms. Spell out names
of tests and drugs (use generic names for drugs). Define unique terms. Paraphrase rather than quote.
Include names of authors and dates of publication in citations of other publications (and give a full
bibliographic citation in the article’s reference list). Include key words for indexing purposes.
Concise and specific: Make each sentence maximally informative, especially the lead sentence. Be as
brief as possible. Abstracts should not exceed 500 words. Begin the abstract with the most important
information (but do not waste space by repeating the title). This may be the purpose of thesis, or perhaps
the results and conclusions. Include in the abstract only the four or five most important concepts,
finding, or implications.
Non-evaluative: Report rather than evaluate; do not add to or comment on what is
in the body of the manuscript.
Coherent and readable: Write in clear and concise prose. Use verbs rather
than the noun equivalents and the active rather than the passive voice.
Use the present tense to describe results with continuing applicability
or conclusions drawn; use the past tense to describe specific variables
manipulated or tests applied.
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WRITING A LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview
A literature review does not simply list the information and facts relevant to your topic. It critically analyzes the
information. Answer these questions: how does this source fit into the research that you are conducting? How
does this research speak to other research in the field (does it agree/disagree, does it imply information?
How credible are these sources? Is the information a hypothesis or a fact? Is there a general
consensus in the field regarding the topic? Or is it a hot debate?)
Continually check your writing to make sure what you are saying is directly related to that
controlling idea. You should justify every single sentence in the paper by showing that it is
relevant and necessary to your main point.
Use the “so what” test. As you finish a paragraph, imagine a reader saying “So what?
What does this have to do with your main idea (or with the previous and following
paragraphs)?” Make the relationship clear on the page, not just in your head.
Organize by ideas, not sources. Make an outline or flow chart of what you want to say,
then use your sources to support your statements.
If you struggle with a section, put away your draft. A day or two later, without looking at
what you’ve already written, start again.
Don’t fall in love with your prose. Don’t start sympathizing with the poor sentences and
paragraphs you’re cutting out. Get mean.
Get as much feedback as you can. Writing is a solitary activity, and most drafts are writer-based.
Converting the writer-based draft to the reader-based final product is the most important task of the writer.
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PAYMENT FOR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Stipends are based on performance and on written verification through the cover sheet from your mentor that
you are meeting research deadlines and benchmarks. The McNair office reserves the right to delay or withhold
stipend payments until we and your mentor receive confirmation that the work is being completed. The McNair
office evaluates your progress in conjunction with your mentor and the McNair Advisor. In the event you are
not meeting program expectations (e.g., meetings, deadlines, benchmarks, or not attending seminars) you may
be removed from the program.
McNair Scholars will receive $2,800 for their research; payments are made between May and December.
Research Requirements
If you complete research or an internship at another
school, and are paid an allowance by that school,
you will not receive the McNair allowance unless
the allowance at that school is less, in which case an
adjustment will be made to reach the total of $2,800.
Final draft means ALL corrections requested by
your Research Mentor, the McNair Director, and the
McNair Advisor have been made.
Stipends will be disbursed in five installments after
your mentor signs off on the work:
1. $750 on May 9th after submitting the proposal, IRB, and introduction.
2. $500 on June 17th after submitting the litereature review.
3. $500 on July 8th after submitting the final results and discussion.
YOUR RESEARCH MENTOR MUST SIGN OFF
ON YOUR FINAL PAPER.
4. $750 on August 12th after submitting the final research paper.
Note: You do not need to declare this as income
on your taxes; the IRS sees this as a scholarship
allowance.
5. $300 during Fall Semester after submitting to
journal, presenting at conference, and finishing
one graduate school application.
Note: If you are taking summer classes, the stipend
from McNair may affect your financial aid. Please
see the financial aid office for more details or ask a
McNair staff member.
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PEER MENTOR PROGRAM AND GRADUATE FEE WAIVERS
McNair Peer Mentor Program
The McNair Peer Mentor Program provides a way for current McNair Scholars to reach out to each other, as
well as prospective McNair Scholars on campus. First year McNair Scholars will be matched up with second
year scholars to encourage them in the McNair Program, and to foster a sense of community for the group. As
a compensation for their time-commitment, senior peer mentors will be paid $411.60 for the academic year
according to the following benchmarks:
Mandatory $137.20 – Attend introductory meeting for first year McNair scholars as encouragement and a
resource for discussions.
The four items below are options and Peer Mentors can select two of the four to meet the allowance:
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ംം
ംം
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$137.20 – Bring two eligible Pre-McNair students to a McNair workshop or event.
$137.20 – Help present to a campus organization, class, or Pre-McNair on why students should consider
applying to the McNair program.
$137.20 – Attend two campus research/cultural events with another mentor/mentee group.
$137.20 – Peer review application materials (seniors review REU applications for juniors, junior review
statements of purpose for seniors—document using “track changes” in MS Word).
Note: Peer mentor payments must be processed by the McNair Scholars
Program, the Dean of Students, and Human Resources. Therefore, it could
take a significant amount of time to receive payment. Do not count on
this income for bills or important finances and contact the McNair
staff BEFORE contacting anyone else regarding this payment.
Graduate Fee Waivers
Many graduate schools nationwide will offer application fee
waivers to McNair Scholars. It should be noted, however, that
not ALL schools will accept application fee waivers. The
average student will pay for one to two application fees for
schools. Check early and work with the McNair staff for fee
waiver processes.
The current list of schools offering fee waivers can be found
at (however, if a school is not on the list, we will still check to
see if they accept fee waivers as many schools do, but do not
advertise the process):
http://www.coenet.us/coe_prod_imis/COE/TRIO/McNair_Fee_
Waiver_List/COE/NAV_TRIO/McNair_Scholars_Fee_Waiver_List.
aspx?hkey=d459a62a-5577-4103-b125-8c3bb8aa5029
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UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH POSTER SESSIONS
Conferences allow scholars to visually present a summary of their research. Researchers commonly present
their data in this way to fellow colleagues and to research faculty. You will either do an oral presentation or
a poster presentation and be asked questions about your research by faculty, researchers, students, and other
guests. As a McNair scholar, you are expected to attend the National McNair Conference near Delavan/Lake
Geneva and Research Day on campus and are encouraged to pick one additional event to attend.
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Research Day
You will create a research poster and
display it at the UW-Stout Research
Day held in the spring.
National McNair Research
Conference and Graduate Fair
The conference hosted by the
University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee
and MAEOPP is held the first weekend
in November. Scholars will have a
chance to present orally and through poster
presentations to a McNair specific audience
from across the nation.
NCUR
The National Conferences on Undergraduate
Research Session is annually in April. This is one
of the largest, multi-disciplinary conferences in the
nation. Limited scholarships are available.
CUR – Posters on the Hill
McNair scholars with exceptional posters will be
encouraged to submit their abstracts in November to
the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) for
display before Congress (in Washington, DC) at the
annual Posters on the Hill, held in April.
Posters in the Rotunda
This is an opportunity to present your research to the
Governor, legislators, state administrators and the
public. This is in conjunction with the undergraduate
research programs at other UW System institutions.
Space in the rotunda limits campus representation to
six students and is held in the spring.
UW System Symposium for Undergraduate
Research and Creative Activity
Occurring in April, the Symposium gives
undergraduate students in all disciplines, from all
University of Wisconsin institutions, an opportunity
to present their scholarly work on a wide variety of
topics. Students participate through oral presentations,
poster displays, gallery exhibits, and artistic
performances.
Professional Conferences
Scholars are also encouraged to present their research
at a poster session in their field of study, whether that
is a campus, state, regional or national academic or
professional conference. Your research mentor and
the McNair staff can notify you of conferences as
they become scheduled.
CREATING A RESEARCH POSTER
For the latest guidelines in making your poster, go to:
http://www.uwstout.edu/lit/services/instructional/tutorials/researchposters.cfm
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APPLYING TO GRADUATE SCHOOLS AND THE GRE
Tips for Submitting Any Application
ംം Start early! Quality applications (the kind that get you assistantships, grants, and full tuition waivers) are
started a year to two years before the deadline.
ംം Many schools are switching to an entirely online application process, but be aware of specific items that
may still need to be mailed or faxed.
ംം Create a spreadsheet of necessary documents for each school you are applying to. Chances are you will be able to “recycle” many things for multiple schools.
ംം The application process can be very overwhelming. When you need help, ask!
Graduate Records Exam
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is for graduate school applicants what the ACT/SAT is for undergraduate
college applicants. It is a standardized test designed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to measure
analytical, critical thinking and writing skills and used by graduate schools to assess a student’s
academic potential.
You will need to take the GRE General Test (includes Analytical Writing) in the summer between your junior
and senior year. McNair will cover costs for you to take the test and we will help you fill out paperwork needed
for financial assistance, applying for testing, an for any accommodations testing. You may also need to take
a GRE Advanced Subject Test or other discipline specific test, depending on what schools you apply to. As a
low income student, you can receive a Fee Reduction Certificate or the GRE Subject (see the McNair staff for
details).
More information about the GRE can be found at:
http://www.ets.org/gre/
Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
ETS requires a recent doctor’s letter, along with an application for any student needing
accommodations.
Plan ahead, ETS approval can take 6-10 weeks.
Make an appointment with Disability Services Director Kara James (206 Bowman Hall, x2995,
jameskar@uwstout.edu), to ensure paperwork is completed correctly.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Additional information and resources can be found:
On the UW-Stout McNair website: http://www.uwstout.edu/mcnair/
On the UW-Stout McNair Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mcnairscholars.stout
On the UW-Stout McNair LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6971566
Through contacting the McNair Scholars Office:
Bowman Hall 400B
802 S. Broadway St.
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 232-4591
wynns@uwstout.edu
gieskingj@uwstout.edu
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