As we are in the midst of assessing our mentoring components, we want to ensure all mentors recognize what it means to mentor our scholars from historically excluded thus underserved communities. We have begun implementing a holistic critical mentoring model [LINK]. We ask that potential mentors review the tenets of our model with an understanding that the program will assist in the mastery of implementing the tenets within their mentoring relationships.
Community members are encouraged to apply to be mentors by first completing the
Community of Supporters (UMBC McNair Scholar) Form
McNair Mentor
Members of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County faculty and staff work closely with McNair Scholars as McNair Mentors and/or Faculty Research Mentors. Immediately upon entering the program, each McNair Scholar is paired with a faculty or staff member who has a graduate degree (from a discipline not necessarily related to the scholar’s interest) or is knowledgeable in and can assist with navigating the graduate school preparation process. This person will serve as their McNair Mentor for the duration of their baccalaureate journey at UMBC.
Commitment:
- 1 hour per month, for the duration of the scholar’s UMBC undergraduate career
- Serve as speaker or panelist for one UMBC McNair sponsored event per academic year (Quarterly Bootcamps, Annual McNair Research Conference, McNair Moments, McNair Monday workshops, etc.)
- Complete UMBC McNair Mentor Training (once developed and implemented)
Faculty Research Mentor
Within the first year of participation, scholars are required to select their first Faculty Research Mentor. Faculty Research Mentors are from the fields in which McNair Scholars intend to pursue research projects and/or graduate study. Faculty Research Mentors guide McNair Scholars through the research process as the scholar prepares and completes an independent research project. The Faculty Research Mentor also introduces to the scholar the culture of their discipline. McNair Scholars may select a Faculty Research Mentor from those with whom they have studied or worked. Scholars may have multiple Faculty Research Mentors throughout their time as a McNair Scholar.
Commitment:
- 1 hour per week, for the duration of the development and/or completion of the scholar’s independent research project
- Serve as speaker or panelist for one UMBC McNair sponsored event per academic year (Quarterly Bootcamps, Annual McNair Research Conference, McNair Moments, McNair Monday workshops, etc.)
- Complete UMBC McNair Mentor Training (once developed and implemented)
McNair Wisdom Mentor
During the fall of their graduating senior year, scholars are paired with a Wisdom Mentor from the UMBC Wisdom Institute. Wisdom Mentors are retirees from the UMBC community and are knowledgeable about navigating the graduate school preparation process and life after undergrad. Wisdom Mentors and McNair Senior Scholars will be paired by the McNair staff and this formal mentoring relationship will exist for one year.
Commitment:
- Connect with the Wisdom Institute (https://wisdom.umbc.edu/)
- 1 hour per month, for the duration of the scholar’s UMBC undergraduate career
- Complete UMBC McNair Mentor Training (once developed and implemented)
All Mentors must apply and be approved by the McNair Staff. Community members are encouraged to apply by first completing the Community of Supporters (UMBC McNair Scholar) Form.