As a UROC mentor you are expected to not only integrate the UROC mentee into your research process and expose them to the research environment, but also provides them with the direct guidance and scaffolding necessary for a positive learning experience. A good mentor models positive behaviors, fosters a trusting relationship, guides, instructs and motivates the mentee. Additionally, a good mentor continually assesses the mentee's progress in order to manage expectations and achieve stated goals and objectives while fostering a relationship of mutual respect.
UROC mentors help students develop and execute research objectives and learning outcomes that prepare students for advanced study, graduate school, and employment in their field. To that end, mentors will work with their student to complete UROC’s Research Planning Guide, which includes project-specific research objectives, learning outcomes, a literature review, and a timeline.
Mentors are expected to meet with their student on a pre-determined schedule, provide honest and critical feedback to their student, help their student make connections within the professional community, and aid their student in disseminating results through conference presentations and publications.
Mentors will also work closely with UROC Staff to gauge the student’s development and progress. We are committed to supporting the development of individualized, rigorous, and creative action plans.
The UROC Researcher (mentee) will be integrated into a mandatory UROC Summer Research Program, which augments students’ research experiences, strengthens research and professional skills, and helps prepare them for graduate school and/or careers in research. Students will develop writing and professional communication skills; a suite of professional products; and present their research at the UROC Summer Research Symposium at the end of the summer.
This course is organized and led by UROC Instructors but mentors are asked to contribute to the mentee's development by providing significant feedback and guidance on the products associated with this program. This may include:
- Providing student with guidance on responsible conduct of research training and any safety and liability training or forms required by MLML
- Assisting student with completion of a UROC Research Planning Guide
- Introducing student to appropriate literature and background information necessary for full comprehension of the various goals of their and their mentor's research project.
- Helping the student identify a research question and project that is appropriate in scope and complexity given the program timeframe, goals, and deadlines
- Assisting student with generating an abstract describing the research question, goals, methods, and (ultimately) results in mid-July
- Instruction on analysis, data representation, and data interpretation in your discipline
- Design and presentation of a poster or oral research presentation at the UROC Summer Research Symposium in mid-August
Financial support:
Approved mentors that are eligible for employment in the United States may be compensated up to $1000 per academic term (summer, spring semester, or fall semester) for the time and effort they spend on guiding their mentee through the mentor process. Mentors to multiple mentees may be compensated up to $500 for each additional mentee.
Mentor Training Workshop:
UROC provides an annual Mentor Training Workshop each Spring. This workshop is mandatory for all new MLML mentors and strongly recommended for all mentors.
Mentee selection: As part of the application process, mentees are asked to identify which of the available MLML mentors they would like to work with. When mentors are provided with the application materials and contact information of the mentees they "matched " with, they will have the opportunity to decide if the applicant has the appropriate background and skills. In this way, the mentor has the autonomy to decide if the applicant is a good fit for their project.
Contribution of mentee to research: Mentees are paid as UROC Researchers and receive compensation that is equivalent to up to 10 weeks of full-time work or 40 hours per week. These hours include the time that mentees spend on completing the UROC Summer Program deliverables as well as the time spent working with the MLML mentor. Mentees are not required to work 40 hours per week, and mentors are asked to clarify in the interview process how many hours per week the mentee is expected to be engaged in research activities.
Mentee conduct: UROC holds all of its students to a high academic and personal Code of Conduct: students are expected to perform well academically and to serve as exemplary members of the scholarly community. In all matters, students will apply themselves to the fullest, work hard, and maintain the highest standards. They will adhere to the rigorous academic standards set by the program, and deliver required products in a timely and professional manner. In their actions they will exhibit maturity, honesty, sound judgment, and respect for others. Students who are unable or unwilling to perform at this level may be dismissed from the program. Mentors and staff will provide guidance to help students achieve their full scholarly and professional potential. Any conduct issues should be immediately brought to the attention of Jessica Bautista.