Research Students

The Association of American Colleges & Universities contend “the goal [of undergraduate research] is to involve students with actively contested questions, empirical observation, cutting-edge technologies, and the sense of excitement that comes from working to answer important questions” (Kuh, George D. “High-Impact Educational Practices: A Brief Overview.” The Association of American Colleges & Universities, 2008).

Increasingly, participation in undergraduate-level research is becoming a required activity for students to earn merit-based scholarships and awards, acceptance into graduate schools, and competitive internship opportunities. Haeger and Fresquez found that “students mentored in research had significantly higher cumulative grade point averages [compared to] a matched set of peers.” Additionally, “extended engagement in research yielded significantly higher development of research-related skills and level of independence in research” (Haeger, Heather and Carla Fresquez. “Mentoring for Inclusion: The Impact of Mentoring on Undergraduate Researchers in the Sciences.” CBE Life Sciences Education, 2016).

Most students at LCSC complete a senior research project and/or anther form of undergraduate research during their undergraduate careers. Research expectations vary across majors and disciplines, and faculty mentors expressed a desire for some consistent, stable resources. We contacted LCSC instructors who are currently leading senior project/thesis courses. These instructors provided their course syllabi. We also gathered research on current and best practices for mentoring undergraduate research and on best practices for mentoring in general.

These resources will help mentors (and mentees) address some of the following questions:

•  How can I formally document the research expectations and goals?
• I don’t have much time. Where can I quickly get some ideas on how to mentor undergraduate researchers more effectively?
• How have other LCSC professors structured their senior research courses? Are sample syllabi available?
•  I am curious. Are there any unique approaches I should employ when mentoring first-generation students or millennials?
• I have some extra time. Is there further reading on the subject?

• Undergraduate Research Contract Template
• Humanities Version
• Sciences Version

• Ten Tips for Effective Undergraduate Research Mentoring

• Guidelines on How to Structure the Initial Meeting with Undergraduate Researchers

• List of Undergraduate Research Responsibilities for Mentees

• List of Undergraduate Research Responsibilities for Mentors

• Inclusive Mentoring
• Avoiding Gender Bias in Mentoring
• Mentoring First Generation Students
• Mentoring Diverse Students
• Mentoring Millennials

• List of Senior Seminar and Research Courses Offered at LCSC (Spring 2016-Fall 2016)

• Sample Course Syllabi from Undergraduate Research Courses at LCSC

• Mentoring Bibliography

These resources are living documents. Please contact either Julie Bezzerides or Marlowe DalyGaleano with any suggestions or contributions.