What is McNair?
McNair Scholars Program prepares first-generation and multicultural students for doctoral study and eventually careers as college professors.
The program matches each student with a faculty mentor in their major; provides resources for undergraduate research projects; enhances students' quantitative computer, test taking, research methods, and critical thinking skills; provides students with opportunities to present research findings at regional and national conferences; provides stipends for on-campus and external summer research internships.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
McNair Qualifications
- First generation and low income
- Groups under represented in graduated education (African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans)
- Minimum 2.75 cumulative g.p.a
- Earned 60 units by the end of summer 2010
- Must be a U.S. citizen, or permanent resident
McNair Application Process
- Complete McNair application in 219 McCutcan Hall; Submit resume and personal statement electronically to mcnairasst@uww.edu
- Complete meeting with Dr. McGregory to review application materials, Undergraduate research plan, and graduate school plans
- McNair Advisory Committee will confirm prospects after formal review
- Sign McNair Scholars Program Student agreement
Key Components (Requires two years)
Academic Year
- Individual research with faculty mentor(s)
- Prepare for graduate application
- McNair meets once every two to three weeks throughout the semester for other updates
- Teaching practicum lecture (spring term)
- Graduate school visit
- McNair Seniors' Retreat (September)
- Attend Conferences
- American Muliticultural Student Leadership Conference (AMSLC) - Fall
- The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) - Fall
- National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) - Spring
Summer Component: Phase One
- Research Seminar (1st year students)
- Develop research proposal
- Receive writing instructions/assessment
- Exposure to Technology
- Exposure to research - Ph.D. Standards
- Graduate school visits (at least three)
- Research poster presentations- One on the UW-W's campus, and another at Beloit College, or UW- Milwaukee
Summer Component: Phase Two
- For Phase 2 of the summer component, McNair scholars are required to apply to an out of state summer research internship programs or research sites
- Students can apply through Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), a direct placement, or through any other available program.
- Instructions on how to apply to these programs will be provided.