University of Wisconsin Stout | Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Recruitment

Students are typically recruited into the program as sophomores or juniors and begin formally participating in activities during their junior year.

A cohort group of students begin the program each academic year and continue until they graduate. The beginning (junior) group is designated cohort #1 and the ongoing (senior) group is cohort #2.

First Year

New McNair scholars are selected during the spring semester to begin the program during the upcoming fall semester (junior cohort).  Members of this cohort group are introduced to the program and develop a comprehensive plan to insure graduate school entry and success in a doctoral program through:

• Designing a research proposal 
• Identifying a faculty mentor
• Beginning to work on an individual research project
• Preparing for the summer research institute  

These accomplishments are facilitated by three tuition-waived seminars completed during the first year including a GRE preparation course.

Learning and participating in the research process is crucial to success at the doctoral level. During the first summer, the junior cohort will participate in a Summer Research Institute and concentrate on conducting individual research.  

This research experience includes an individual stipend of $2,000.00.

Second Year

During the second year, scholars (the senior cohort) synthesize the research into poster and/or oral presentations and submit an article for publication in the Journal of Student Research. 

Other program activities for the senior cohort include:

• Taking the GRE
• Preparing and submitting graduate college applications
• Applying for fellowships and other financial aid
• Participating in conferences, travel, and seminars