McNair Scholars Program's student and faculty mentor information sessions scheduled; applications accepted through March 14

Are you thinking about attending graduate school? Would you like assistance navigating the graduate school application process? Does conducting research with a faculty member in your major interest you? The McNair scholars program may be the perfect fit for you!

We are currently accepting applications until March 14. Students may download the applications at www.stthomas.edu/diversity.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please attend one of the information sessions this February. Light refreshments and beverages will be provided.

Student information sessions will be held:

• Friday, Feb. 15 – 3-4:15 p.m. in Murray-Herrick Campus Center, Room 155
• Wednesday, Feb. 20 – 5:30-6:45 p.m. in John R. Roach Center for the Liberal Arts, Room 126 (auditorium)

Faculty Mentor information sessions will be held:

• Minneapolis campus – Monday, Feb. 18, 10:30-11:45 a.m. in Terrence Murphy Hall, Room 460
• St. Paul campus – Monday, Feb. 18, 1-2:15 p.m. in O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library Center, Room 108.

The Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is designed to encourage low-income, first-generation college students and students from groups currently underrepresented in higher education to pursue doctoral study. The program offers seminars and activities that focus on graduate education, guided academic and career support, faculty mentorship, a summer research experience, and effective preparation for graduate school.

These information sessions will provide students more background about the McNair Scholars Program, eligibility criteria and strategies on how to complete a competitive application. Faculty mentors are needed and encouraged to apply from all academic disciplines. Interested faculty will learn more about benefits, expectations and overview of their mentoring roles with students. Faculty mentors receive a stipend of $1,000 per student advisee.

Students selected as McNair Scholars will have exceptional opportunities to explore graduate education in an environment of close support and encouragement; additionally, they will learn to set high goals and experience the satisfaction of achieving them. Through the McNair Scholars Program, eligible students in their sophomore, junior or senior years have the opportunity to:

During the academic year:

• Participate in a variety of educational programs designed to assess their academic and career skills and interests, and expose students to graduate education.
• Learn how to conduct scholarly research.
• Prepare for graduate school by:
  • researching and visiting graduate universities
  • receiving information regarding financial assistance
  • learning about the graduate school application process and
  • getting tips for preparing successful graduate school applications.

During the six-week summer residency program:

• Engage in an intensive research experience with a faculty mentor.
• Learn to present research findings in a professional manner and setting.
• Receive information to enhance success on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• Earn a stipend for involvement in the summer program .

Please contact Cynthia Fraction, assistant director, (651) 962-5960, to R.S.V.P. for one of the sessions.

For more information about this program, visit our Web site.