GUIDELINES FOR STUDENT PARTICIPANTS & FACULTY MENTORS

You are receiving this document either as the participant in, or as a faculty mentor for a participant in, two prestigious summer research umbrella programs at UCR. As the general guidelines and expectations for participants and faculty mentors is consistent across all programs.

Please review this resource for overviews of both umbrella programs. Contact information for all individuals with responsibilities for RISE or MSRIP components appears below.

You will also find overall guidelines for faculty mentors and student participants for both umbrella programs. The specific program calendar will be provided separately to you by your program coordinator.

Maria Franco Aguilar & Wendy Acosta
MSRIP & CAMP
UOB 129
(951) 827-3680
/ Marissa Carranza
HSI-STEM
College of Natural and Agricultural Resources
(951) 827-
Jennifer Hernandez,
Assistant Coordinator, CNAS Scholars
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
(951) 827-5326 / Nhi Tran
HSI-STEM
College of Natural and Agricultural Resources
(951) 827-

Scott Silverman, Ed.D.
CNAS Scholars/RISE Program Coordinator
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
(951) 827-2488 / Richard Cardullo, Ph.D.
Faculty Director of Student Success Programs
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Professor, Department of Biology / Michael McKibben, Ph.D.
Student Academic Affairs, Associate Dean
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Professor, Department of Geology

RESEARCH IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (RISE)

OVERVIEW OF THE RISE PROGRAM

RISE is a 10-week Summer research program designed to prepare participants for graduate and professional study by providing valuable research experiences, training, seminars and multiple workshops aimed at better preparing scientists. It is designed for STEM students from varying educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants work under the supervision of a faculty mentor on the mentor's research project. The goal of RISE is to increase the number of outstanding students from diverse backgrounds to become acquainted with one of the most essential traits of a scientific career: Research. Additionally, RISE aims to increase the population of students who pursue the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees by strengthening their academic and professional development for admission to the University of California campuses and to UC Riverside, in particular, as well as colleges and universities nationwide. Its primary objectives are to: 1) provide preparation for graduate studies through a research experience in the mentor's laboratory and a variety of workshops; 2) provide a mechanism that fosters faculty/student interrelationships; 3) give the students a first-hand look at graduate opportunities at UCR; 4) assist the students in realizing their potential for graduate studies, in general, and at UCR, in particular; and 5) expose the faculty mentors to the possibility of recruiting interns to their departments. RISE typically consists of three program components: the California Alliance for Minority Participation [CAMP], the STEM Pathway Summer Bridge to Research Program, and the CNAS Scholars program. In 2013 and 2014, RISE also includes the USDA Environmental/Agricultural Science Learning Community population, which is a subset of the CNAS Scholars program. Also in 2014, the Dynamic Genome Scholars researchers will be joining RISE.

MENTORING SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (MSRIP)

OVERVIEW OF THE MSRIP PROGRAM

Established in 1987, MSRIP is the University of California, Riverside’s eight-week summer research program designed for rising juniors and seniors (and some incoming Masters students) from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants work under the supervision of a faculty mentor on the mentor’s research project. The goal of MSRIP is to increase the number of outstanding students from diverse backgrounds who pursue Ph.D. degrees. By strengthening their academic credentials through research opportunities we hope to strengthen their potential for admission to and success in the University of California campuses and UC Riverside, in particular, as well as colleges and universities nationwide. Its primary objectives are to: 1) provide preparation for graduate studies through a variety of workshops; 2) provide a mechanism that fosters faculty/student interrelationships; 3) introduce students to graduate opportunities at UCR; 4) assist the students in realizing their potential for graduate studies, in general, and at UCR, in particular; 5) expose faculty mentors to the possibility of recruiting their interns to their departments. MSRIP works in cooperation with UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees program (UC LEADS), Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), the Medical Scholars Program (MSP), Building Bridges Across Riverside Program, and Mentoring Year-round in Biological Engineering, Science and Technology (MY BEST).

RISE participants will join the MSRIP program for pre-selected professional development workshops.

RESEARCH IN SCIENCE & ENGINEERING (RISE)

MENTORING SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (MSRIP)

STUDENT SUMMER RESEARCH GUIDELINESEXPECTATIONS

You will be immersed into one of two prestigious summer research programs: 1) Research in Science and Engineering (RISE), which includes CAMP, HSI-STEM and CNAS Scholars Fellows, or 2)UCR’s well-established MSRIP along with UC LEADS Scholars, students from the California Pre-Doctoral Program. As much as is possible, you will assimilate the life of a graduate student. This summer’s experience will assist you in making a more informed decision about your academic career beyond the Bachelor’s. It is important that you take this responsibility seriously. While participating in this program, you will develop research skills and receive knowledge you will find useful in preparing for and experiencing graduate school. With this exposure to the research environment, you will develop mentoring relationships with faculty and/or graduate students, postdocs or staff research associates.

Research

Students will be assigned to faculty mentors who have ongoing research projects in the area of the students’ interests. At the beginning of the program, or before the program starts, faculty mentors will discuss the nature of the research with the student. Together, they will develop a schedule for future contact and research proceedings. It is then the student’s responsibility to maintain that schedule or to seek guidance when s/he cannot. Each student’s specific research program will differ according to the faculty mentor and subject matter. Only in some cases will research undertaken be “original.” In all cases, however, students should be shown where and how their work fits the overall goal or direction of the mentor’s research.

Students should expect to meet at least once per week with their faculty mentor, but some mentors may require more frequent meetings. Students are expected to work full-time on their projects (M-F, 8-5, with exceptions according to the Professional Development workshops required by your coordinator).Every Thursday afternoon from 3:00-5:00p, and as otherwise noted you will attend a scheduled activity (refer to calendar) outside of your research environment.

Students are expected to exert full-time effort on their projects, which may include work on evenings and weekends but will not exceed 40 hours per week. Research mentors will expect continued and sustained work throughout the eight weeks from the student interns.

Requirements

  • Attendance at all workshops, seminars, orientations, events, other course content (i.e. GRE, etc. if applicable) is mandatory unless otherwise stated. Approximately eight hours per week will be spent in mandatory program events. Otherwise, you will be doing research, for a total of about 40 hours per week.
  • After discussion with their mentors, students will submit a research abstract, due as specified on your schedule. The abstract will outline the research to be conducted and should be formatted like a conference abstract.
  • At the end of the program, students will prepare oral or poster presentations about their research results and conclusions. These presentations will take place at the Summer Symposium, according to your schedule
  • Students will submit a research essay of at least five pages by the end of the program. The essay should summarize the research done during the tenure of the program.
  • Students will be asked to evaluate the program and their research experience at the end of the summer.

What students can expect

Students can expect advice and guidance about graduate school admissions, graduate work, career opportunities in research and teaching, and the nature of academic life from the program staff and guest speakers. Students will be provided with the materials necessary for their research and GRE preparation course.

Common Student Challenges

  • Afraid to ask questions: Mentors will be looking for inquisitive minds, so do not be afraid to ask questions. Also, do not pretend to know something you don’t! If you have questions, but can never seem to remember them when your mentor is around, write them down and keep the list with you.
  • Lack of motivation and organization: Find an organization system that works for you. Try writing all assignments, meetings, and events down in the same calendar or keeping a daily to-do list. Stay motivated by reminding yourself why your research matters!
  • Lack of perseverance: Research is not always easy. Sometimes you don’t get the results you want, experiments fail, tasks take longer than you think they will. When things seem to be going wrong, remind yourself that the complications make the eventual success so much more satisfying.
  • Lack of goals:If you have trouble remembering the goals of the research, ask your faculty member to clarify them. Also, make a list of goals for yourself and think each day about how you are working towards them.
  • Difficulty in completing tasks: If you find that you are often struggling with a task, ask others for help. More experienced researchers may be able to show you where you are missing a step or making it harder for yourself.
  • Poor execution of tasks: Ask your mentor if you are completing the task satisfactorily and listen to the answer. If not, ask for advice about how to improve. If the advisor is satisfied, believe them! Often young researchers are too hard on themselves.
  • Procrastination: Just don’t do it! This is a very quick program jam-packed with research and activities. Make a calendar with blocks of time devoted to completing different tasks and stick to that schedule.
  • Excessive self-pity: It is easy to dwell on difficulties. Remind yourself why you were attracted to this research project in the first place and talk to people about the things you like about it. Remember that you are not the only one facing the difficulties of embarking on new research!
  • Too much or too little self-confidence: Remember that you are here to learn. If you think you already know everything, it will impede this process. Conversely, don’t be insecure about not knowing enough.
  • Loneliness:Reach out to people to socialize. We have provided a list of things to do in and near Riverside. Invite someone in the program or from your lab to do something fun with you or invite people over to your room to hang out or watch a movie.
  • Over-dependence on mentor:One of the goals is for you to become an independent researcher. Once you have your assigned tasks, try to do them on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but also don’t be afraid to recognize your own competence!
  • Lack of role models:Think about the people you know from the program, your lab, or your faculty mentor. Identify what you admire about them and what makes them successful. Try to implement these things in your own life. Voila, you have a role model!

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES

•If not provided, ask for research project objectives.

•Ask your mentor(s) what is expected of you.

•Ask for a definition of your responsibilities.

•Seek guidance.

•Learn independence.Be an independent thinker.

•Be cooperative.

•Keep an open mind.

•Be an attentive listener and an assertive questioner.

•Make the most of the opportunities available to you.

•Be an active participant in your research environment.

•Be self-confident, but not overly confident.

•Be flexible and adaptable in attitudes and actions.

•Follow-through. Persevere.

•When unclear about instructions or expectations, etc., ask for clarification.

•Call upon others to assist with problems you are unable to handle.

•Do not procrastinate.

•Do not fall into the ‘poor me’ syndrome.

•Do not spread yourself too thin.

•Do not be overly dependent upon your mentor.

•Be responsive to Program staff.

•Attend all mandatory workshops, seminars, and meetings.

•Submit required documents on time.

•You will develop an abstract.

•You are required to prepare an oral presentation of your research results.

EXPECTATIONS FOR FACULTY MENTORS

Mentors are expected to contact the students before the summer program begins in order to outline the nature of the project and, if applicable, provide a preliminary reading list. Mentors are asked to integrate the interns fully into the research team and to supervise students’ research activities. Students should not be exclusively involved with daily clerical responsibilities. At the beginning of the program, or before, mentors should work with students to develop work schedules for the research project, outline research goals and methodologies, and establish guidelines for them to follow. Mentors should supervise students as they prepare their final poster or oral presentations (oral presentations should be no longer than ten minutes long). These presentations should be practiced with the mentor who can provide feedback for the student before the symposium. The student should be able to describe the research and its importance to both a specialized audience and to a broad audience. The program includes students and faculty in the humanities, arts, science, social science, and engineering fields.

The faculty mentor should assist with the preparation of the abstract, and must approve it before it is bound and distributed to attendees of the research symposium. The first draft of the abstract is due in the fourth week of the program. The student is responsible for a research paper, which is due on the last day of the program. Mentors are not responsible for this paper, but you may choose to be involved in this process if you like. The paper is to be a minimum of five pages, but if you would like to suit it to your field’s standards you may. For example, many faculty use the opportunity to prepare a writing sample for the students graduate school application.

USE OF RESEARCH ALLOWANCE (if applicable)

  1. Travel to conduct field project (includes accommodations and meals, should student be required to stay overnight to engage in research project).
  2. Telephone calls and equipment rental charges are allowable only when exclusively related to the performance of the research project.
  3. Books and periodicals may be purchased only if not available in the library. Purchase of classroom textbooks are permitted (if needed for the project).
  4. Only supplies deemed necessary for the research project.
  5. Computer time.
  6. Xeroxing, microfilming, or other reproduction of documents.

Research allowance may not be used for the following purposes:

Travel to scholarly meetings.

Preparation of copy for publication.

Stipends, salaries, or any employee-related expense.

Non-expendable equipment such as typewriters, computers (or computer-related hookups), recorders, etc.

Publications costs.

Tips for Successful Mentoring

  • Inform the intern of your expectations. Communicate with them when they are not meeting those expectations.
  • Define the research project objectives early. Define student responsibilities clearly.
  • Prepare a structured research agenda for the student to follow.
  • Communicate about the student’s applicable background. Try not to assume student is experienced or ignorant.
  • If applicable, provide levels of mentoring for the student (i.e. postdoc, graduate student, experienced undergraduate).
  • Create a positive learning environment. For many of these students, this will be their first experience with this type of research. It can be overwhelming!
  • Communicate with the MSRIP office or program coordinator early if students are not meeting your expectations. We cannot fix a problem if we do not know it exists.