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- Does a student have to be Latinx to apply?
No, those considered low income with financial need can also apply.
- How do you determine low income?
There is no firm threshold for financial need; each application is evaluated individually and holistically based on students’ responses to the application.
- I see questions in the application about whether a student has participated in other support programs (TRIO, EOP, etc.). Are selections made based on participation in programs like those?
Students do not have to be or have been part of any other student support programs, but we are collecting data to help us better serve future applicants.
- Does the research have to be my own original research project?
Students are qualified whether they are pursuing their own research project guided by the faculty mentor or are part of the faculty mentor's research plan.
- Can a freshman who will be a sophomore by the end of the spring semester apply?
Yes, freshman students are eligible to apply as long as they will have sophomore status by the time the program takes place this summer.
- Can a graduating senior apply?
If a student is graduating this spring, they must be accepted into a Chico State graduate program or a PhD program for fall in order to be eligible for this program.
- What if I’m graduating or already a Chico State graduate, and I intend to go to graduate school eventually but won’t yet be enrolled in a grad program this fall?
Unfortunately, our limited resources don’t allow us to accept applications from graduates unless they are accepted into and will be enrolled in a graduate program in the fall.
- Will you consider a student who has participated before?
We give some preference to new applicants, but we do welcome applications from previous student participants, too.
- Do you give preference to faculty mentors who have not participated before?
To support our campus' outstanding and active faculty research mentors, we do not take previous participation into consideration.
- I am a faculty mentor interested in following a model similar to last year, would it be Ok if we use the same faculty proposal this year?
Faculty mentors may submit an application dealing with the same research topic as last year, but the application forms have been revised a bit so that questions may be asked a bit differently.
- Does the faculty mentor have to be from the student’s major department?
There are no restrictions on which students or departments faculty mentors may work with.
- Is the mentoring opportunity only for tenured or tenure-track faculty, or may lecturers apply?
Faculty of all ranks and classifications are invited to apply.
- How do I choose a research project?
Think about classes you really enjoyed. Approach your professors during office hours or via email to discuss topics that you found interesting in the course material or connected to your interests. Your professors can assist in suggesting research topics. Visit the Meriam library web site – it’s a wonderful resource to explore research topics and read through current articles. Often, peer-reviewed articles can give you additional ideas for research. You can set appointments with subject librarians who specialize in helping students with research in specific subject areas. Be sure to talk with other students about their research experience and any recommendations they may have.
- How do I identify a faculty mentor?
Identify the professors you feel comfortable approaching or those whose classes you enjoyed and/or excelled at academically. Professors are usually very happy to support their students’ interests, including assisting students in developing research topics. Check out your major department's faculty and staff web page which lists professors and often links to faculty web pages detailing specialties and current research. If a professor’s current or past research interests you, that may also be an avenue to explore. You can begin your research experience by supporting your professor on their research projects as well. Be sure to talk with other students about their research experience and any recommendations they may have.