McNair scholars are enrolled in program seminars designed to prepare them for academic research and doctoral studies. Scholars work closely with faculty mentors who supervise their research projects and papers.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Research internship to work on an original research project with a faculty mentor
- Faculty mentoring to help develop research questions and enhance research skills
- A summer research internship stipend and funding for research costs
- Seminars and scholarly activities to prepare students for graduate and doctoral studies
- Workshops on test-taking, financial literacy, digital portfolios, curating social media and digital identity
- Academic counseling and tutoring
- Assistance with graduate admissions and financial aid
- Assistance with presenting and publishing research
- Participation in an active McNair Scholars community at PSU and nationally
- Tuition remission for 10 McNair seminar credits
Academic Seminars and Summer Research Internship
- Seminars are offered every winter, spring, and summer terms to provide structured support in research, writing, and graduate school preparation.
- Scholars will receive upper-division credit through University Studies
- Summer seminars also count as a writing course
- Seminars include guest visitors presenting various topics, such as mental health, digital ePortfolios, journal publication, and more.
Networking and Conferences
- McNair scholars are encouraged to present their research at national academic conferences. Some scholars will also have the opportunity to present at the Annual Gabriel E. Gallardo Symposium at the University of Washington
- Scholars visit PhD and graduate programs
Research Support
- Every McNair scholar conducts a research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
- Scholars' abstracts are published in the annual McNair Scholars Program Profiles and Abstracts
- Scholars submit research papers for publication in the PSU McNair Scholars Online Journal or other academic journals
- Scholars present their research at the PSU McNair Symposium
Community Engagement
- PSU community celebrates McNair scholars, faculty mentors, families and friends with the Annual McNair Awards Ceremony and PSU McNair Symposium
- The new cohort is celebrated each winter term with the Community Intellectual Gathering
STAFF SUPPORT & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Staff and Teaching Fellows available for academic, mental, and personal support
- Provide an office space with labs and other resources available to loan
- Facilitation and ongoing improvements of seminars and workshops using data directly from scholars
- Providing new information and opportunities for upcoming events, conferences, and other opportunities
- Advising and mentorship for scholars
- Facilitating and supporting faculty mentor and scholar relationships
- Assisting scholars with finding various resources for funding, graduate school, and other holistic needs
- Consistently providing academic, cultural, and social experiences for scholars
MCNAIR SCHOLAR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Fulfill all PSU McNair Scholar Program requirements
- Abide by PSU rules, student code of honor, and program rules
- Participate in all McNair Scholar Program activities
- Find a faculty mentor within three weeks into your admission into the program and to notify the staff immediately
- Enroll in the seminars for winter, spring, and summer
- Meet regularly with a Teaching Fellow either in person or via Zoom
- Present your research either at our Annual McNair Symposium, another McNair conference, or a professional conference
- Notify the staff anytime regarding conference, graduate school acceptances, etc.
- Maintain contact with the PSU McNair Alumni network upon graduation