Intersections Researchers Initiative 2011-2012
Presenters and Friends at Symposium Dinner
The fifth annual Intersections Researchers Initiative Mini-Symposium was held April 29. Twelve students gave wonderful presentations on different types of research they worked on related to the cultural diversity and social justice.
Students who participated in the Researchers Initiative worked approximately five hours a week during the spring semester in a faculty member’s lab learning the “nuts and bolts” of research practice. Several students found it exciting to be a part of starting a new lab while others worked with long-established ones. In either case, the experience opened their eyes to the process of research, exposed them to the depth and breadth of their mentor’s knowledge and expertise, and inspired some to think about going on to graduate school.
Participation in the Intersections Researchers Initiative is limited to students living in Intersections LLC and are paid for their work. Applications available fall 2012.
Before you fill out the application, please read faculty project descriptions and the general program information below.
2011-2012 application
2011-2012 description of INRI Faculty Mentors and Research Projects
Goals
The Intersections Researchers Initiative (INRI) introduces undergraduate students residing in the Intersections Living Learning Community to various aspects of research practice. If students are accepted into the Initiative, they are able to work with faculty members on various projects broadly related to diversity and social justice issues. Students apply and are matched with faculty members in the fall and work during the spring semester. Students work a maximum of 70 hours and are paid on an hourly basis through funds provided by Intersections Living Learning Community.
In addition to introducing undergraduate students to research, the Researchers Initiative facilitates their access to faculty members early on in their college career. Many University of Illinois programs exist to support students’ sustained involvement in research. These programs, however, are targeted more toward juniors and seniors. The Researchers Initiative is intended to fill a gap by facilitating second- and first-year students’ involvement. Ideally, a mentoring relationship emerges to support the student’s academic and, ultimately, career success.
Lastly, the Researchers Initiative can serve to deepen students’ involvement in their own discipline or expose them to research topics outside of their discipline. It is not necessary that students be matched with faculty based on major or discipline. In one example, a student majoring in chemistry was a highly valued member of a team working on ethnographic research. However, both students and faculty members can request that major or discipline be taken into consideration.
Student Requirements
It is a privilege to work directly with faculty, and we want students to get the most out of this program. To that end, there are several parameters to the students’ participation. Students
* Apply and must be accepted to participate in the INRI
* Rank their preferences for which faculty members they wish to work with
* Once accepted, confirm with the Intersections Program Director that they have met with their preferred faculty member
* Provide proper documentation for I-9 form which is required for employment (typically original social security card and driver’s license or passport).
* Attend 1.25 hour orientation on professional behavior, expectations for participation, and how to use library resources
* Attend check-in meetings every other week with Intersections program staff
* Participate in a mini-symposium to present a poster of their work, followed by dinner
* Participate in an exit interview with the Intersections Program Director at semester’s end
* Abide by faculty members’ expectations for attendance at meetings or events and for work hours
* Abide by faculty members’ expectations for work quality.
Orientation Meeting, Sunday, January 27, 2013, 7:30-8:45 PM, Carr Lounge, Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls
Students must attend the INRI Orientation meeting where they will be introduced to expectations for participation and use of library resources.
Mini-Symposium, April 28, 4-6 PM, Saunders Lounge, PAR
At the end of the program, students create a poster to present their work. Poster presentations are one way that professional researchers share their work. Student posters will describe visually and in written form the research project, their role in it, and what they learned from participating in the INRI. They also give a five-minute verbal presentation to elaborate on their poster. Faculty members are invited to attend the symposium and to stay for a catered dinner. Students may also invite their peers and family members.
Work Wages and Hours
The hourly pay will be the standard university rate for undergraduates ($8.50/hr.). Students are placed on the Housing Payroll. The funds to pay them come from the Program Director’s non-discretionary academic budget provided by the Office of the Provost. Both the Program Coordinator and the faculty member will approve the hours reported by the student.
Students can work up to 70 hours for the semester. How the hours are broken down depends on the faculty member’s needs and the student’s schedule. For example, 70 hours breaks down to 7 hours/ week for 10 weeks or 4.66 hours/week for 15 weeks. Students are not required to work the full 70 hours. It is acceptable for a student to work fewer hours if this is what is agreed upon by the faculty member and student.
Timeline of Events
October 21-November 8—students apply to IRI
November—students meet with faculty members
December—students complete employment paperwork
January 27—students attend an orientation to the program and can begin work
April TBA—workshop on presentation skills
April 28—mini-symposium and dinner