RISE@WIU
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
RISE GRAD Summer Fellow Program
Program Description:
This program offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to develop
leadership skills by participating directly in the mentorship of undergraduate
students during the RISE Summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates)
Program. Grad Summer Fellows will also support other outreach and science
programs such as the Discover the World Through Science at WIU. RISE Grad
Fellows will work with faculty to develop specific activities for students that will be
conducting research on campus during the summer (e.g. RISE REU, high school
students, and other undergraduates and graduate students that are supported by
external grants). Priority will be given to graduate students that are interested in
pursuing Ph.D. or professional school and are committed to advance their research
projects during the summer.
Program Description and Benefits:
1. Students will be awarded a $1000 scholarship at the end of the semester to
recognize their time and work as a RISE Fellow.
2. Students will have the opportunity to receive specific training to develop
leadership skills and to work in collaboration with other students, faculty, and staff.
3. Students will lead specific activities for RISE REU students and other student
researchers during the summer (e.g. brown bag seminar program, paper
discussions, specific trainings, etc).
4. Students will have the opportunity to participate in a mentorship program and to
represent RISE in special events.
Requirements:
1. Student must be a graduate student who has completed at least 9 credit hours and
enrolled as a full-time student in the Spring previous to the start of the summer
program.
2. Student must be working on a research project with a faculty mentor.
3. Student should be available to meet once a week to coordinate activities of the
RISE program and must be on campus for special events and activities.
4. Student should not be registered for regular summer classes with the exception of
research credit. This program is intended for students that are committed to
advance their research during the summer, and they must serve as a model for
undergraduate summer researchers.
5. Must have the desire to work with others and the commitment to develop
leadership skills.
6. Be responsible, reliable, and have WIU pride!
7. Participate in the organization of RISE events, department outreach, and
recruitment activities.
8. Represent the RISE program, department or college in public events, fund raising,
and other special activities.
Application Process:
One graduate student will be selected from each department. Submit the following
documents to your department's secretary by April 24th. Selected students will be
contacted for interviews one to two weeks after submission.
1. A copy of your CV
2. A copy of your transcript.
3. A letter of intent explaining why you will be a good candidate as a Summer Grad
RISE Fellow (include any previous mentoring activities, participation on student
organizations, and an explanation of how this program will impact your research).
4. Submit a research proposal describing the part of your research that you expect
to complete during the summer. The proposal must include: title, a brief
introduction, research objectives, brief description of the methods, preliminary data
(if available), expected results, significance of your study and references (maximum
four pages).
5. One letter of recommendation from a faculty mentor. The letter should show your
qualifications as a potential leader as well as your capacity to work collaboratively
with faculty, staff, and other students. In addition, your advisor should indicate the
current status of your research project and how this summer program will help you
advance your research. Advisor must be willing to mentor the student during the
summer.
Terms: $1000 will be awarded to the student. Student must submit a picture
(conducting research) that will be used for the announcement of the award, news
release, etc. Pictures should be sent to the RISE coordinator. RISE@WIU funding
should be acknowledged on any poster, oral presentation, publication or other
products that are a result of your funded research. Official RISE logo must be used in
presentations and posters. Additional accomplishments as a result of this research
must be communicated to the RISE program coordinator.
Selection Process: The respective department committee will select the recipients.
Deadline for Application: April 24th at 12pm. Submit your application to your
department’s secretary.
Application Form:
RISE@WIU Grad Summer Fellow
(must be typed or word-processed; handwritten applications will not be considered)
Student’s name
Address:
Faculty Mentor:
Phone:
Email:
Department:
Attach:
1. A copy of your CV
2. A copy of your transcript.
3. Letter of intent
4. Research proposal: title, a brief introduction, research objectives, brief
description of the methods, preliminary data (if available), expected results,
significance of your study and references (maximum four pages).
5. One letter of recommendation from a faculty mentor.
Please answer the following question:
Do you have approval from the WIU Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Institutional Animal Care
and Use Committee (IACUC) to conduct this project (if needed)?