About This Program
The goal of the program
is to increase the number of underrepresented students who pursue
academic careers. SROP helps prepare undergraduate students for graduate study
through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities.
The SROP was initiated in 1986 by the CIC Graduate Deans to encourage
talented undergraduate students to pursue graduate study and subsequently
academic careers. That first year 99 students participated; 529
students majoring in over one hundred fields of study are participating
this year. Since this program began, some 7,000 students have
participated.
The major activity of the SROP is an in-depth research experience
with students working one-on-one with faculty mentors. SROP students
are required to write a paper and an abstract describing their
projects and to present the results of their work at a campus
symposium. Other activities include:
- Weekly campus-based educational enrichment activities broaden
each student's view of graduate education and research, along
with strengthening their technical skills, thereby better preparing
them for advanced study.
- Campus workshops inform students about graduate admission
procedures, financial aid opportunities, test-taking skills,
preparing a presentation, and expose the undergraduates to a
wide range of research fields, while informal social gatherings
provide a relaxed setting for students and faculty to exchange
ideas and share experiences.
- At the end of the summer, a symposium or poster session is
held on each campus during which students present the results
of their research projects.
Projects
Students are matched with faculty mentors who are engaged in
research in the student's general area of interest. Students either
participate in an on-going research project or develop one of
their own in consultation with their faculty mentor.
SROP Conference
In July, students from all participating SROP campuses come together
for a two and one-half day conference, which is held on a different
CIC campus each year. The weekend features roundtable progress
reports by all current student participants; presentations by
SROP alumni and other graduate students and faculty members who
discuss the rewards and sacrifices of pursuing an academic career;
workshops; special interest groups; and opportunities to meet
with graduate school representatives to discuss individual programs.
Students meet others interested in academic careers and reinforce
one another's commitment to pursue advanced study.
Compensation
Each student receives a stipend of at least $2,500 for the summer,
plus up to $1,100 toward room and board and travel to and from
the host institution. The faculty mentor may receive $500 to cover
the cost of the student's research project. The host institutions
provide funding for students to attend the annual SROP conference.
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