CUR Announces a New Book in its "How To" Series:

How to Mentor Undergraduate Researchers By Carolyn Ash Merkel California Institute of Technology and Shenda M. Baker Harvey Mudd 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. Expectations of mentors are contrasted with those of students. While written primarily with summer research experiences in mind, the booklet contrasts those intensive experiences with day-to-day mentoring of undergraduate research during the academic year including senior theses. Advice is valid for both on- and off-campus research experiences and most academic disciplines. Practical information includes:

· How to get started · Mentoring tips · Coaching and Training · Helping the student to develop presentation skills · Letters of recommendation for students · Resources and references

Special challenges are also reviewed, including:

· How to handle group dynamics · What if the project fails? · How much should a mentor demand of a student? · How to deal with varying levels of student knowledge and abilities

"This is a well-written, informative booklet that is ideal for its intended audience. I believe it will be very valuable for mentors because it gives informative, flexible guidelines rather than rigid rules that may not be appropriate for all cases." --- Reviewer

How to Mentor Undergraduate Researchers may be ordered for $12.00 plus handling and postage ($4.00). 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 "This manual provides a guide to the crucial questions that must be raised and answered at various stages in the decision-making and implementation process...[It is] a much needed guide for the institutions that wish to begin or expand an undergraduate research program , while at the same time it offers fresh ideas and evaluation tools for more experienced institutions." - 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.

On-line Order Form: click here!
 
Downloadable Order Form: click here!