About Summer Scholars
Summer Scholars is a chance for students to do an independent research study that is guided by a faculty member during the summer semesters. Professional development sessions and wellness events are also scheduled throughout the summer term for students and mentors. At the end of the program, participants receive course credit, and are asked to present their research, either at an off-campus venue, or during the following Undergraduate Research Conference on campus.
Who can participate?
Any currently enrolled MUW student can apply to be a summer scholar. Students should consult with a faculty member who would serve as their summer mentor before applying. Students who plan to study abroad that summer are strongly urged to apply for the opportunity during a different summer term. International students can participate in Summer Scholars. For additional questions about enrollment, financial aid, etc., contact our@muw.edu.
Why should I apply?
Those who are chosen to participate receive a scholarship for tuition, housing, and meals for the duration of the program. Summer Scholars is a great way to get started on your honors research or capstone project. You can also impress future employers or graduate schools by putting Summer Scholars participation on your résumé or CV!
How do I apply?
Application information and materials are at muw.edu/our/summer/apply. Talk to a faculty mentor before submitting your application materials! You will design this experience with a faculty member who will guide you through the independent study, so have a conversation with them about what you’d like to accomplish, and how they can help you get there. In general, applications should include:
- A proposal, no more than 1 page, stating the goals the student hopes to accomplish during the Summer Scholars program. Be as concrete as possible.
- A letter from a faculty member, stating they’ve discussed the program with the student and their willingness to be a mentor during the summer term(s).
All submissions should be sent via email to our@muw.edu by the priority deadline of February 1st, and applications submitted afterwards will continue to be reviewed through April 1st if there are remaining funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a faculty mentor?
All mentored relationships happen differently! If you know there is a faculty member you want to work with, have a conversation with them about your ideas and their work. If you aren’t sure who to talk to, feel free to call the Coordinator of Undergraduate Research to help you find someone, or check out the list of Campus Opportunities on the OUR website.
Can international students participate?
Yes! International students can participate in Summer Scholars. For additional questions about enrollment, financial aid, etc., conact our@muw.edu.
Do I have to live on campus?
Because students who participate in Summer Scholars are a cohort for the duration of the program, attending professional development and wellness sessions, you are encouraged to live on campus, but it is not required. Regardless of your housing situation, you will receive the portion of scholarship that pays for housing and meals. For questions about this, contact our@muw.edu.
What materials do I need to apply?
All submissions should be sent via email to our@muw.edu by the deadline. More information on submission materials is here, but in general, applications should include:
- A proposal, no more than 1 page, stating the goals the student hopes to accomplish during the Summer Scholars program. Be as concrete as possible.
- A letter from a faculty member, stating they’ve discussed the program with the student and their willingness to be a mentor during the summer term(s).
I’ve been accepted! What now?
Once accepted, the Coordinator of Undergraduate Research will contact you about getting information for financial aid, housing, and dining services. You will also get materials about the schedule for the program and setting up the first meeting with your cohort, and the mentor and the student will sign a contract prior to the beginning of the summer semester.
How do I receive the scholarship to participate in Summer Scholars?
Every student account is different, but in general, students attending the 10-week summer term receive 2 credits to their student account. Students attending a 5-week session receive one credit. If you have a question about the payment schedule or process, email our@muw.edu.
What is expected of me during the time I’m enrolled as a Summer Scholar?
Students are expected to spend a certain number of hours on their independent study, depending on the number of weeks they’re participating. 5-week participants complete 135-hours and 10-week participants must complete 270 hours. For each, this averages about 27 hours per week. There are also additional events you’re expected to attend. At the end of the summer, all students will briefly share what they’ve accomplished with each other and MUW campus. See previous recordings of this event on our OUR YouTube playlist.
Do I, the faculty mentor, receive compensation?
Yes! Faculty mentors are paid $200 per credit hour, per course (the amount for supervising an independent study).
Are there materials to help prepare me, the mentor?
Yes! In addition to resources for mentoring undergraduate researchers, the OUR provides a document that gives mentors an idea of what schedules might look like, examples of research goals, and ways to measure progress towards those goals.