Program Information

Program Benefits:

Student Benefits

Increased awareness of academic opportunities available at SIUC and within prospective major
Opportunity to participate in organized undergraduate research experiences
Develop relationship with faculty, staff and students
Informal social and academic support and mentoring
Financial compensation for research participation ($400 during spring semester)

Institution Benefits

Increased retention rates
Increased opportunities to mentor first-year students

Timeline and Program Activities:

Fall Semester

Identification and recruitment of incoming freshman.
Selection of Saluki Research Rookies (20-25 students)
Orientation session and luncheon for SRRP cohort
Participate in anticipated major's departmental activities or events
Select a faculty mentor
Attend SRRP meetings and activities

Spring Semester

Submit research proposal
Conduct research project under the guidance of faculty mentor
Mentor training: Two-hour seminars entitled “Effective Communication in Mentor-Mentee relationships” and “Strategies for establishing and maintaining the Mentor-Mentee relationships”
Attend SRRP meetings and activities
Create research poster

Summer Semester

Present research poster at the McNair Summer Research Symposium in July
- Note: Some students may be ready to present their poster at the Undergraduate Research Forum in April.

Program Logistics:

Eligible Participants must:

Be a freshman or sophomore as of fall semester
Have an interest in research and inquiry
Be committed to participate in two semesters of SRRP activities
Have a strong sense of their intended major

Selection Criteria

Personal Essay
Letter of Recommendation
Leadership and Community Service Experiences
ACT Score and Academic Performance

Budget
Research Rookies will receive a total award of $400.00 during the spring semester. Students will receive a $150 award at the beginning of spring semester and will receive a $250 award at the completion of their poster.

Mentors will receive a $100 supply allowance to a university account.

Additional Funds:

$50.00 Supply Allowance transferred to a university account.

$50.00 Poster Allowance processed through the Research Rookies office.

Workspace and Schedule
Since each Research Rookie represents a different college/department, there will be many variations among the research projects. Arrangements should be made with each Rookie’s research mentor to secure a workstation or lab space to use during the program. The expectations remain the same for all Research Rookies—all should work about 10 hours per week on their research project and/or program activities throughout the spring semester.

Program Contact
Rhetta Seymour, Director
Saluki Research Rookies Program
Woody Hall, B145
618-453-4585
rseymour@siu.edu