Research Rookies Faculty Mentor Orientation Luncheon Julia Spears, Ph.D. & Rachel Tripodi, M.S. Ed. Office of Student Engagement & Experiential Learning Northern Illinois University

Session Agenda Lunch & table talk Introductions Example of successful mentoring relationship Research Rookies dates & deadlines Meeting information Program goals & outcomes Expectations Other program components & resources

Introductions Name College Department First time mentoring a Research Rookie? One thing you are excited about One thing you are nervous about

Power of Mentors “Behind every successful person, there is one elementary truth: somewhere, somehow, someone cared about their growth and development. This person was their mentor ” Dr. Beverly Kaye, Up Is Not the Only Way, 1997

Example of Successful Mentoring Relationship Dr. Marc Adler – Assistant Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry – Research Rookies Mentor

Program Dates & Deadlines Due Date for Proposals – Friday, November 15, 2013 – Send to Annual Research Rookies Reception – Monday, December 2, 2013 from 3:00-4:30 – Altgeld Auditorium Undergraduate Research & Artistry Day – Tuesday, April 22, 2014 – Holmes Student Center, Ballroom

Proposal Guidelines Abstract Project Description (Limit 3 pages) – Background & context – Statement of significance & impact – Statement of project objectives – Methods – Outcomes Literature Cited Timeline

Continuum of Research Proposal Designs Faculty-Initiated Project More developmental Stronger mentoring component Faculty and Student Directed Project Mutual investment New inquiry Student-Initiated Project Strong student development Demonstrated cognitive readiness

Reception Monday, December 2 from 3:00-4:30pm Altgeld Auditorium To formally welcome and honor students and mentors in participating in Research Rookies Students will be asked to give “elevator speech” about their research – Video recording

Undergraduate Research & Artistry Day Tuesday, April 22, 2014 Holmes Student Center, Ellington Ballroom Registration opens: – Monday, January 13, 2014 Deadline to register and submit abstracts: – Friday, March 7, 2014 Posters – no larger than 40” x 32” Volunteers needed for judging!

Research Rookies Monthly Meetings Meetings are mandatory If a student cannot attend a meeting, notify OSEEL before missed meeting Each unexcused absence will result in 10% stipend deduction More than 3 unexcused absences will result in dismissal from Research Rookies

Research Rookies Monthly Meetings Come prepared – Bring pen & paper to take notes – Be prepared to give updates on progress Come hungry – Dinner will always be served

First Monday of each month Typical agenda: – Announcements & housekeeping – Check-in with Natalie Check-in with Natalie – Speaker – Small group activity Research Rookies Monthly Meetings

Topics reviewed so far – Handbook/expectations – Proposal guidelines – Office of Research Compliance & Integrity (IRB) – Defining research variable & operationalizing your research

Program Goals Engage students in faculty-mentored research Provide a positive learning environment Help students pursue their goals Introduce students to research Give students the opportunity to meet other driven young people Give students the opportunity to present at Undergraduate Research and Artistry Day

Research Rookies Participate with faculty mentor to develop, understand and complete a research or artistry project Spend approximately 5‐10 hours per week on your project Participate in formal programming (i.e. monthly meetings) Notify your faculty supervisor AND the OSEEL of any change in research focus Immediately address personal difficulties that arise during your research experience with OSEEL

Peer Leaders Assist with questions or concerns from small‐group members Obtain progress reports from small‐group members Coordinate one group activity per month with small‐group members Notify OSEEL staff of any issues with small‐group members Follow up with students: phone calls and/or s Assist with documenting group activities Attend mandatory monthly Peer Leader meetings Help first‐year Research Rookies become familiar with university resources

Peer Leaders Peer Leaders qualifications: – Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher – Have completed one year of the Research Rookies program – Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with first-year students – Be able to serve as a positive role model for first- year students

Faculty Mentors Provide learning resources and necessary tools for the research/artistry project Meet with the student to plan and complete the project Attend the Research Rookies Reception on December 2, 2013 Assist the student with preparation of project materials for URAD presentation Attend major research presentations that the student makes on the NIU campus Notify OSEEL of any issues or concerns

Time Commitment Research Rookies should expect to spend 5-10 hours per week conducting research These 5-10 hours may include: – Student writing proposal – Student conducting literature review – Student working with a GA – Student working in lab – Student working with faculty member (one-on- one meetings, time in lab)

Blog All Research Rookies are required to blog about their experience Blog prompts will be given at meetings Upload pictures

Stipend Students will receive stipend, ONLY if: – Present at URAD – In good academic standing – Have less than 3 meeting absences during school year

Communication Communication is KEY! is main form of communication

Research Results Most important thing: – Learn the research process Would like to reinforce: – Student will not disappoint OSEEL if research has no results as long as the student learns the research process

Resources New Research Rookies Website – NIU Faculty Development Portal – Responsible Conduct in Research Mentoring is an online training module for faculty engaged in research mentoring. Responsible Conduct in Research Mentoring

Contact Information Student Engagement & Experiential Learning Evans Field House