Q: What is the purpose of the McNair Scholars Program?
The SIUC McNair Scholars Program prepares undergraduates to succeed in doctoral study through engaging them in research and scholarly activities in a supportive and cohesive environment.
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Q: How do I apply and what is the selection process?
You can contact the McNair Scholars Program Office, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Woody Hall B-115 or B-128. Phone numbers (618)453-4581 or get application online at: http://www.siu.edu/~mcnair .
The process is as follows:
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- Completed application materials must be submitted by the deadline.
- Selection committee will review applications and select qualified applicants.
- Individual interviews will be conducted with McNair staff.
- Applicants will be notified within 8 weeks of deadline.
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Q: Who is eligible?
McNair applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered: |
- From a group traditionally underrepresented in doctoral programs; and/or low-income plus first-generation college student; http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html
- U.S. Citizen or permanent resident;
- Academically successful with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher (scale 4.0=A);
- Sophomore or Junior;
- Interested in pursuing a doctoral degree.
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Q:What majors are eligible for the program?
Students who meet the eligibility requirements in any major are welcome to apply.
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Q: What is the stipend?
McNair Scholars receive a total stipend of $2,600. A stipend is a payment given for completing your research project or scholarly activity and participating in the program. Scholars receive $2,000 during the summer research program and $600 during the academic year.
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Q: Will my stipend affect my financial aid?
The stipend is reportable income on the year that you received it. Scholars have to report the income on your FAFSA, and income is a key factor is determining your financial aid package. Generally speaking, the stipend usually has little or no effect your total financial aid.
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Q: Is my stipend taxable income?
Generally, for tax purposes, a student should not have to pay tax on a scholarship, fellowship, or grant to the extent he/she uses it for tuition, fees, books, and equipment required for courses or enrollment at an educational organization. However, any portion spent on incidental expenses, including room and board, travel, research, clerical help, equipment and other expenses not required for courses or enrollment at an educational institution is taxable income.
The stipend payments made under the SIUC McNair Scholars Program represent payments to further the education and training of the student recipients. Therefore, the stipend payments are not taxed. The students, however, are ultimately responsible for establishing whether all or a portion of their fellowship award is taxable income.
For information on scholarships and fellowships as they relate to income tax, please refer to IRS Publication 520, Scholarships and Fellowships . To access this publication, see: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p520.pdf
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Q: Are part-time students eligible to become McNair Scholar?
Yes. You must be enrolled at SIUC.
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Q: Do I have to attend graduate school at SIUC?
No. In fact you will apply to three graduate schools of your choice (one of which may be SIUC) as part of your involvement in the McNair Scholars Program.
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Q: Why earn a PhD?
| Obtaining the doctorate: |
- Opens more doors of opportunities in the field of higher education.
- Develops a solid foundation for career success and mobility.
- Provides opportunities through research to ask and answer questions of importance to society.
- Lowers unemployment rates.
- Increases lifetime earned income.
- Results in a greater likelihood for leadership and supervisory positions.
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Q: What are the benefits of being a McNair Scholar?
The McNair Scholars Program offers the following: |
- Involvement in a prestigious national scholars program.
- Individualized academic and personal support from McNair staff.
- Involvement in a cohesive community of scholars and educators.
- Opportunities to engage in original research, including conducting a summer research project with a stipend.
- Experience presenting research at the McNair Scholars Research Symposium.
- A chance to publish in the SIUC McNair Scholar's Journal.
- Mentoring from faculty, graduate student and peers.
- Opportunities to participate in research conferences and visit graduate schools.
- Assistance in locating and applying to graduate schools.
- Workshops on the graduate school application process, financial aid, scholarships and fellowships, and the culture of graduate school.
- GRE preparation software and tutoring.
- Access to academic coaching/ tutoring.
- Sessions on the expectations and experiences of university and college faculty.
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Q:What is expected from McNair Scholars?
McNair Scholars are required to: |
- Attend all scheduled events and workshops.
- Maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Maintain regular contact with McNair Scholars Program staff.
- Meet regularly with designated faculty mentor
- Conduct research full-time during one eight-week summer program and complete at least one research project.
- Participate in all required activities during the Summer Program.
- Present research at a professional conference (McNair or in your discipline) and/or publish a research paper, either in our annual SIUC McNair Scholars Journal or in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Present a poster at the SIUC Undergraduate Research Forum.
- Complete an undergraduate degree program.
- Apply to at least three graduate degree programs prior to earning a Bachelor's degree.
- Notify McNair staff of all graduate school acceptances, rejections, and financial aid packages.
- Maintain contact with McNair staff after graduating from SIUC.
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Q: How much time do McNair Scholars need to devote?
During the academic year, McNair Scholars meet every other Monday from 6-8 PM for workshops. During the summer, McNair Scholars work full-time for 8 weeks on their research projects. Scholars are encouraged to continue research during the academic year and are given guidance on seeking research funding and assistantships to support such efforts.
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Q: I am a senior. Is it too late to apply in program?
No. If you are a senior, you must participate in the Program at least the summer BEFORE you graduate.
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Q: I am a sophomore. Is it too early to apply in program?
We welcome you in McNair Scholars Program. The ideal time is to apply during your sophomore year. Full participation should begin in the fall of your junior year.
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Q: How does the program prepare students for graduate study?
Interactive sessions and workshops will focus on the selection of graduate programs in your discipline that are right for you. We will explore financial aid opportunities and we will assist you in developing application ma terials for schools and for financial support. Strategies for success in academics and in developing life skills will be presented. Preparation to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the standardize exam necessary to get into most graduate programs, is an emphasis of the program.
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Q: Can I obtain academic credit for participating in the McNair Scholars Program?
Yes, it is possible to get independent study credit through your department for your involvement in the program.
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Q: Can I choose my own Mentor?
Yes, in fact, we will encourage and facilitate the selection of research mentors by Scholars.
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Q: What if I am not sure if I want to get a PhD?
Not many undergraduates are sure that they want to pursue a PhD. We ask only that you want to go to graduate school and that you are open to getting a doctorate.
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Q: Is there an application fee? If so, how much?
There is NO application fee.
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Q: Can we transfer from another McNair Program?
No. Since each McNair Scholars Program is unique and independently run through each university you can not just transfer from one McNair program to another without going through the application process again.
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Q: Can we schedule classes while waiting for the status of the McNair application?
Yes, however if you are accepted into the program you are not able to take summer classes during the Summer Research Institute.
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Q: Will you hold on to my app if my GPA does not meet the requirement as of yet?
We will keep your application on file in our office if your GPA if below a 2.7. It is YOUR responsibility to let our office know when your GPA is at or above a 2.7 and you would like to resubmit your application.
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Q: Why can't we work during the summer research period? What is the daily schedule like in terms of studying, activities etc?
During the Summer Research Institute, Scholars will be working full-time on program related activities. It is important not to have any conflicts that will interfere with full participation in the program.
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Q: Is it possible to get a senior thesis while in the program?
Yes. If you work closely with your mentor, your department and the Honor's program you can mold your McNair research project to fit with the senior thesis guidelines.
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Q: What does first generation mean?
Neither parent has received a bachelor's degree. They could have attended a community college or even a four year institution, but if they did not complete their degree then you are considered a first generation college student.
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Q: What does "research" mean?
Research is an independent academic project. Please click here to learn more.
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Q: What if there is not much time left until the application is due, or the deadline has passed?
Contact the McNair Scholars Program Office, Southern Illinois University Carbondale Woody Hall B-115 or B-128. Phone numbers (618)453-4581 to discuss your options. You may still be eligible for the next deadline.
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Q: What if my GPA is lower than 2.7?
You are not eligible unless you have a GPA of 2.7 or above.
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Q: I am new at SIUC, or don't know any professors---Can I use letter of recommendation from a previous community college professor?
At least two out of the three letters should be solicited from faculty members who have knowledge of your academic performance, research experiences, and/or professional goals. These letters can be from faculty at SIUC or any other institution you have attended.
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