Become a UROC Mentor
Please provide a complete description of the research project and qualifications desired in an UROC applicant. Provide as much information as possible as this information will be used to generate Project Descriptions that will be advertised on Student Opportunities Center (SOC) platform, https://www.studentopportunitycenter.com/.
These Project Descriptions will be the basis by which applicants decide what opportunities they would like to apply to. SOC is a platform that connects undergraduate researchers to tens of thousands of student conferences, student journals, and undergrad research and fellowship/funding opportunities. By having UROC Research Opportunities listed on SOC, only those who create a profile with a CSUMB email address will be able to view the research opportunity, students from other campuses WILL NOT be able to view the opportunities.
Undergraduate research is an inquiry or investigation conducted by an undergraduate student that addresses a specific research question, utilizes appropriate research methodologies, adheres to the standards of the discipline, and results in the dissemination of findings.
MLML Research Mentor Approval Process
Prospective Graduate Student Research Mentors must have approved and signed Research Mentor Approval and Project Intake Google Form submitted to UROC.
MLML-UROC Mentor Approval Form
- Signatures from your Advisor(s), the MLML Health & Safety Officer, and the MLML Faculty Chair or Director are required. Plan accordingly.
- Appendix 1: Procedures and Protocols
- Appendix 2: Training Plan
- Appendix 3: MLML Equipment, Supplies, or Other Facility Resources
When all signatures and amendments (if applicable) are complete, please submit both these forms directly to UROC via Jessica Bautista.
Questions about the program or application process? Review the information below or contact Jessica Bautista.
Tips for completing the Mentor Approval form fully and accurately:
- Discuss your participation in this program with your Faculty Advisor well prior to preparing this document.
- Anticipate and avoid the need for amendments to your Mentor Approval Form by asking your Faculty advisor for input on what may require extra clarification in the Procedures and Protocols, Training Plan, or MLML Equipment, Supplies, or Other Facility Resources appendices.
- Request permission to have your UROC Researcher use costly or sensitive equipment, even if you already have been approved for it's use.
- Adapt excerpts from your previously submitted Masters proposal instead of generating new protocols, sampling schemes, or site descriptions.
Please review the following examples of previously approved Research Mentor Approval Forms. These examples illustrate how the level of detail and comprehensiveness required for each of the Appendices is dependent upon the complexity of the project. For more guidance on the specific requirements of each of these sections, please contact the MLML Health and Safety officer Jocelyn Douglas or Faculty Chair Ivano Aiello.
Eligibility to become a Graduate Student Research Mentor is limited to MLML graduate students with an approved thesis proposal.
Exceptions to this policy can be made at the discretion of the graduate student's advisor, when a MLML faculty member is principal investigator or overseeing the project, OR the MLML graduate student is assisting the faculty member.
As a UROC mentor you are expected to not only integrate the UROC mentee into your research process and expose them to the research environment, but also provides them with the direct guidance and scaffolding necessary for a positive learning experience. A good mentor models positive behaviors, fosters a trusting relationship, guides, instructs and motivates the mentee. Additionally, a good mentor continually assesses the mentee's progress in order to manage expectations and achieve stated goals and objectives while fostering a relationship of mutual respect.
UROC mentors help students develop and execute research objectives and learning outcomes that prepare students for advanced study, graduate school, and employment in their field. To that end, mentors will work with their student to complete UROC’s Research Planning Guide, which includes project-specific research objectives, learning outcomes, a literature review, and a timeline.
Mentors are expected to meet with their student on a pre-determined schedule, provide honest and critical feedback to their student, help their student make connections within the professional community, and aid their student in disseminating results through conference presentations and publications.
Mentors will also work closely with UROC Staff to gauge the student’s development and progress. We are committed to supporting the development of individualized, rigorous, and creative action plans.
The UROC Researcher (mentee) will be integrated into a mandatory UROC Summer Research Program, which augments students’ research experiences, strengthens research and professional skills, and helps prepare them for graduate school and/or careers in research. Students will develop writing and professional communication skills; a suite of professional products; and present their research at the UROC Summer Research Symposium at the end of the summer.
This course is organized and led by UROC Instructors but mentors are asked to contribute to the mentee's development by providing significant feedback and guidance on the products associated with this program. This may include:
- Providing student with guidance on responsible conduct of research training and any safety and liability training or forms required by MLML
- Assisting student with completion of a UROC Research Planning Guide
- Introducing student to appropriate literature and background information necessary for full comprehension of the various goals of their and their mentor's research project.
- Helping the student identify a research question and project that is appropriate in scope and complexity given the program timeframe, goals, and deadlines
- Assisting student with generating an abstract describing the research question, goals, methods, and (ultimately) results in mid-July
- Instruction on analysis, data representation, and data interpretation in your discipline
- Design and presentation of a poster or oral research presentation at the UROC Summer Research Symposium in mid-August
Benefits to faculty of serving as a UROC mentor:
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RTP letters of support documenting your mentoring support of undergraduate researchers and broader engagement with UROC.
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UROC, University College continue to collaborate with other units in University College (i.e… TLA Co-ops, METAs grant for ongoing community of mentorship).
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Based on past survey feedback from faculty mentors, we are working to increase support and opportunities for professional development in mentoring.
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Mentee selection: As part of the application process, mentees are asked to identify which of the available MLML mentors they would like to work with. When mentors are provided with the application materials and contact information of the mentees they "matched " with, they will have the opportunity to decide if the applicant has the appropriate background and skills. In this way, the mentor has the autonomy to decide if the applicant is a good fit for their project.
Contribution of mentee to research: Mentees may receive compensation for their research time. These hours include the time that mentees spend on completing the program deliverables as well as the time spent working with the research mentor. The number of hours mentees are expected to work per week is up to the mentor and mentee. We ask mentors to clarify in the interview process how many hours per week the mentee is expected to be engaged in research activities.
Mentee conduct: UROC holds all of its students to a high academic and personal Code of Conduct: students are expected to perform well academically and to serve as exemplary members of the scholarly community. In all matters, students will apply themselves to the fullest, work hard, and maintain the highest standards. They will adhere to the rigorous academic standards set by the program, and deliver required products in a timely and professional manner. In their actions they will exhibit maturity, honesty, sound judgment, and respect for others. Students who are unable or unwilling to perform at this level may be dismissed from the program. Mentors and staff will provide guidance to help students achieve their full scholarly and professional potential. Any conduct issues should be immediately brought to the attention of Jessica Bautista.