Intersections Paid Researchers Program
Link to Application http://go.illinois.edu/researchers2009
Click here for PDF of faculty mentors and their projects
Program Goals
The University of Illinois is a large Research One institution with a world-renowned faculty. The Program provides undergraduate students the opportunity to work with some of this world-renowned faculty, namely, those whose research focuses on diversity and social justice. The Program introduces students to the everyday practices of research, improves their knowledge of multicultural issues, and helps students to develop networking skills. It also enables students to develop meaningful connections with faculty members, which has been shown to support students’ retention and graduation. At the end of the Program, students give poster presentations of their work at the Intersections Researchers Presentation and Dinner.
What We Require of Students
It is a privilege for our students to work directly with faculty members, and we want students to get the most out of this program. To that end, there are several requirements that students must fulfill:
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Work 5-7 hours per week
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Commit to 10 weeks
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Attend group orientation meeting on professional behavior, expectations, outcomes, and library resources
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Attend group mid-semester and end-of-semester meetings with Program Staff
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Attend fortnightly 20-minute individual meetings with Intersections Program Staff
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Participate in a poster presentation at Intersections Researchers mini-symposium
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Participate in an exit interview at end of the Program
What We Request of Faculty Members
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Meet in person with students in the beginning and the end of the Program, even if a graduate assistant supervises student work. This communicates that you care about the student and his or her work.
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Hold 20-30 minute meetings at least every other week with student, although every week is best. Consistent contact provides the opportunity for guidance of students by faculty members.
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Provide specific, concrete assignments. For example: transcription, archival research, data entry, bibliographic searches and summaries, participation in or observation of field work.
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Have one or two assignments prepared in advance of first meeting with students.
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Utilize students’ maximum hours (5-7 hours per week, or 70 hours over the 10-week program).
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Attend Researchers Presentation and Dinner at Intersections on Sunday, April 25th, 4pm-6pm.
Student Pay
Neither faculty members nor their respective departments are responsible for students’ wages. Students are paid with the Intersections Living-Learning Community non-discretionary academic fund through the Office of the Provost and work-study eligibility.
Program Dates
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Sunday, January 24: Student orientation meeting
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Monday, February 8: First day students can work
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Sunday, March 7: Student mid-semester group meeting
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Friday, April 23: Last day of work
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Sunday, April 25: 4pm-6pm, Mini-Symposium