Multicultural Summer Research Opportunities Program

Research: This is a full-time research opportunity of 35 hours of research a week. Depending on the discipline and the faculty mentor, scholars will either participate in an established research project or will create and develop their own research project with the faculty mentor.

Seminars: In addition to conducting research, MSROP scholars are required to attend 5 hours of seminars a week focusing on research skill development, graduate school preparation, and personal development. Find a sample syllabus here.

Cohort-based Model: Through social and networking opportunities with a cohort, scholars develop a network of supportive colleagues and program staff throughout the summer and beyond. 

MSROP is directed by four goals:

• to encourage undergraduate students to give graduate education serious consideration following completion of their undergraduate studies;
• to provide talented students with faculty mentors who will introduce them to the methodology of the chosen discipline by involving them in research and scholarly activities;
• to create an environment in which the participant and the faculty mentor will be able to assess realistically the student’s potential for and interest in graduate studies; and
• to provide a sense of community among the students and an opportunity to develop the networking skills important to building professional bonds within the community.

To work towards these goals, the MSROP program focuses on three principal components (Faculty Mentorship, Graduate School Preparation, Research Skill Development) in the course of the ten-week period.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete the PDF application form
2. Collect and submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or academic advisors (who are familiar with your academic interests and performance. 
3. Submit your U of M transcript (can be unofficial) 
4. Email all items to [email protected] by the deadline. Subject line: Lastname_Firstname_MSROP2019_Application.

Application Review Process

Applications will be reviewed throughout March, with select candidates contacted for interviews in late March. The 30-minute interview process is another step to identify the strongest candidates, not a guarantee of acceptance. Notification of selection (through email) is early April.

Each participant will receive a $4,000 stipend for personal and research expenses. An additional research stipend is assigned to the faculty mentor for use by the student.

The personal stipend is received in installments over the ten-week period into your student account.

Students are required to complete their final paper, final presentation, an exit interview and an evaluation of the program prior to receiving their final stipend check.

Poster Presentation: At the conclusion of the program, each participant will prepare a poster and oral presentation to be shared with other students, faculty, administrators, and family members at the campus-wide Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Final Paper: Each student must submit a final research paper according to discipline norms by the end of the program

Exit Interview: Scholars are required to meet with program staff at the end of the program to develop a plan for continued support throughout the rest of their undergraduate career.