How to Mentor Undergraduate Researchers By Louise Temple, PhD, James Madison University, Thomas Q. Sibley, PhD, St. John’s University, Amy J. Orr, PhD, Linfield College

How to Mentor Undergraduate Researchers is written for faculty members and other researchers who mentor undergraduates. It provides a concise description of the mentoring process, including the opportunities and rewards that a mentoring experience provides to both students and mentors.

This updated How to Mentor handbook reflects many changes over the last decade in the scope and extent of research opportunities for undergraduates in the United States. It draws on the timeless advice and wisdom present in the first edition, 2002, which was edited by Carolyn Ash Merkel and Shenda M. Baker. Reflecting the current expansion of CUR into all undergraduate disciplines, in this edition experts in a variety of different fields were called upon to expand the handbook’s usefulness across all areas of undergraduate research endeavors. In particular, the Social Sciences section reflects not only doing research in the social sciences, but also on the fact that mentoring is a social process. (A larger treatise on this subject can be found here: www.cur.org/socializing.html). Advice is valid for both on- and off-campus research experiences and most academic disciplines.

How to Mentor Undergraduate Researchers may be ordered for $12.00 plus handling and postage. It may be ordered by mail, fax, or on the CUR website.

"How To Get A Tenure-Track Position At A Predominantly Undergraduate Institution"

"How To Get A Tenure-Track Position at a Predominantly Undergraduate Institution" outlines the process of landing a tenure track position at a predominantly undergraduate institution (PUI). Applying for a tenure track position at a PUI is a fundamentally different process than applying for a tenure track position at a research institution with a large graduate enrollment. Graduate thesis advisors and postdoctoral advisors are sometimes unaware of the culture at undergraduate institutions. This booklet will bridge the information gap between PUIs and research institutions and give you some practical advice that will make your application stand out from the rest. Topics covered include a description of what a job at a PUI is like, how to prepare yourself for such a position during graduate school and in your postdoctoral years, preparing the application itself, details of the interview process, and negotiating the contract.
This booklet is aimed primarily at current graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty in temporary positions. Those who counsel graduate students as they seek jobs will want to offer this booklet as a handy guide. Faculty members and deans who are hiring will also find useful insights into the process that will improve the hiring process.

Reviewers write: 

"I think this booklet is really excellent and will be very helpful to individuals and the community as a whole." 

" I think that the manuscript does a very good job of conveying a picture of what life in a PUI is like, and how to prepare for and perform well during the interview. I think many potential faculty will find it to be a valuable resource."

"I wish I'd known some of these things when I interviewed for my first job. And now that I'm hiring myself, I can see how to make the process more humane and fair to candidates."
 

"How To Develop and Administer Institutional Undergraduate Research Programs"

• A step-by-step approach to developing and managing a campus-wide undergraduate research initiative
• Commentaries on undergraduate research issues relating to faculty, students and curricula
• Common practices and surveys
• Useful vignettes

- Larry Wilson,
Past President , Marietta College

"How To Get Started in Research"

This booklet provides useful information on beginning a research program and finding support for the program from both administrators and funding agencies.  Appendices give advice on writing grant proposals and hosting poster sessions.  A list of funding sources for faculty at PUIs is included.  This is a must have booklet for new faculty and is also useful for faculty with established research programs who want to begin or expand their program with undergraduates.

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