Research Rookies Meeting Monday, August 26, :00pm-8:00pm FML Staff Lounge

Meeting Agenda Portraits & group picture Housekeeping Update from Natalie Review proposal guidelines Small groups Break (5 minutes) Set up blogs & first blog post – ROOM 297

Housekeeping Rachel’s cell phone #:

Housekeeping Facebook: – NIU Office of Student Engagement & Experiential Learning Twitter:

Housekeeping Contacting Faculty: – Please do not contact faculty before talking to me – Be patient with the process – Talk to me or your peer leader ASAP with questions or concerns

Update from Natalie Natalie’s progress: – B4G9-Nvzk B4G9-Nvzk

Natalie’s Challenges Background research – Do it ahead of time! Language barriers

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

Abstract 250 words or less Brief overview of proposal Should be written last

Project Description No more than 3 pages single-spaced Times New Roman, 12pt. Font 1” margins Consult OSEEL, peer leader & mentor throughout the writing process

Project Description Background & Context – Discussion about research that has already been done in this area – Indicate why your research is filling any gaps/holes in present understanding of this area/field – Should have literature citations!

Project Description Statement of Significance & Impact – What is the significance of this research (i.e. Why do we care?)? – What does this research contribute to your field?

Project Description Statement of Project Objectives – Research question/hypothesis or creative concept that will be addressed – Can be bulleted list

Project Description Methods – The “How?” – Your general plan for executing proposed research – Should be clear and understandable

Project Description Outcomes – Expected results or final product for proposed research – Possible products are a report, publishable article, policy recommendation, a performance – Undergraduate Research & Artistry Day – Be specific

Literature Cited List of references that are cited in your proposal – Background & Context section Use standard professional format – APA, MLA, Chicago Style

Timeline Weekly timeline of proposed activities Include specific benchmarks to achieve Timelines written in narrative form will not be accepted

Small Groups Reintroduce yourself to group – Say one thing you learned in your 1 st two weeks of classes (does not have to be Research Rookies related) Progress report Schedule monthly activity (if you have not already done so)

Break 5 minute break Head to Room 297

Blogs Click on the “Get Started” button

Blogs Enter address Select username – You will use this to log in, so make it something memorable Password Blog address – You can use your name or something creative

Blogs Select “Create Blog” button

Blogs Activate blog via

Blogs Blog title – What will be seen at the top of your blog Tagline – Optional – Can be creative (but appropriate)

Blogs Choose a theme – Choose one quickly – You can play around with this later – Please note: some do cost money, but there are lots of free options Customize theme (skip this step for now) Share blog via facebook & twitter (skip for now)

Blogs Create your first post

Blogs 1-2 thoughtful paragraphs 6-8 sentences per paragraph Include picture, if possible All content should represent RR program in appropriate manner

Blog Prompt Blog about your first impressions of the Research Rookies program Talk your experience with finding a mentor. – If you are just beginning your mentor search, describe the process. – What are you excited about when meeting with potential faculty mentors? Nervous about?