Frequently Asked Questions
UROC Scholars are:
- willing to work hard and master new skills.
- intellectually curious.
- striving for intensive research experiences.
- dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and high-achievement.
- a part of a cohort of students striving for graduate degrees.
Does this sound like you?
The goal of the UROC Scholars program is to prepare motivated CSUMB undergraduates for success in research based PhD programs and beyond by providing them with intensive research experiences and consistent professional development training through the RSCH course series. If your professional and career goals align with the goals of the Scholars program then this program is for you.
Review the eligibility requirements carefully to determine if this program is the right fit for you. Applicants must have two summers remaining before graduating and must be committed to pursuing a graduate degree, especially a Ph.D. with a research focus. However, students interested in pursuing research-based Masters degrees may also be considered.
UROC Scholars are expected to excel academically and to serve as exemplary members of their respective communities within UROC, CSUMB, their research disciplines, and beyond.
For a thorough description of what a UROC Scholar is expected to accomplish over the course of the program, refer to the UROC Scholar Agreement. A paper copy of this document is signed by each Scholar upon acceptance into the program.
The McNair Scholars Program is embedded within the UROC Scholar program. Not all UROC Scholars are McNair Scholars.
The McNair program prepares academically talented and motivated CSUMB undergraduate students from all majors for doctoral level studies. The program engages students in research and other scholarly activities that supports the successful transition to graduate programs. The McNair Scholars Program's ultimate goal is to diversify the faculty at colleges and universities across the country. McNair Scholars become part of a nationally recognized prestigious group of undergraduate scholars and become eligible for a suite of unique opportunities, including opportunities to travel and present at conferences, a summer undergraduate research stipend, graduate school and GRE fee waivers, and many other professional development opportunities.
An application to the UROC Scholars program is also an application to the McNair Scholars program. Within the UROC Scholars program application, you will be asked to identify whether you think you are eligible for several additional scholarships and programs, including the McNair Scholars program. Eligible applicants for the McNair Scholars Program must be either a first-generation and low-income college student OR belong to a group traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
Yes! The McNair Scholars Program is embedded within the UROC Scholar program. Many UROC Scholars are also McNair Scholars, but not all UROC Scholars are McNair Scholars.
Yes. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
However, if your cumulative GPA is close but not quite a 3.0 your application may still be considered if your transcripts indicate a significant upward trajectory in academic performance over the last few semesters. For example, if you have a 2.89 cumulative GPA due to very poor academic performance in your first semester as an undergraduate, but your remaining semesters you have achieved a 3.0 or above, then you should apply anyway and make an effort to explain how you have and will continue to overcome this temporary period of poor academic performance.
The UROC Scholars program is a competitive two-year program that provides students with intensive research experience and graduate school preparation. As a UROC Scholar, you will receive professional, academic, and financial support to build your educational ownership, scholarly identity, and community.
Benefits:
- Attend and present at national conferences
- Become competitive for graduate-level study or a research job.
- Explore research interests and clarify career goals.
- Contribute to creation of new knowledge.
- Sharpen critical and analytical thinking skills.
- Enhance confidence in abilities.
- Receive guaranteed paid undergraduate research experience(s).
- Prepare robust, well-written publications, scholarship, and fellowship applications.
- Participate confidently within a scholarly community.
- Work one-on-one with faculty mentors, graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers.
- Identify and apply to research-based graduate schools.
The time commitment is unique to each Scholar. During the summer, all UROC Scholars participate in an intensive research course, which requires on average 40 hours per week. During the academic year, Scholars can spend anywhere from 0-10 hours on research each week.
Maybe. The UROC Scholars program has a Mid-Cycle application that opens late in the summer and closes at the start of the Fall semester. However, applicants must have 3-4 remaining semesters as a CSUMB student because they are required to take RSCH 300, RSCH 301 and RSCH 400.
For example, an applicant submitting a Mid-Cycle application after a Summer 2020 undergraduate research experience should be graduating no sooner than Fall 2021.
If you don't have quite enough time to be part of the UROC Scholar program, don't worry! You can still do research through the UROC Researcher Program. Schedule a UROC Consultation, right away to speak to someone about how to make the most of the time you have left!