MÁS@MSU: Mentoring for Academic Success

Program Overview

MÁS@MSU: Mentoring for Academic Success program is a campus-wide professional initiative for students from all majors that have been awarded work-study funds and have an interest in helping faculty as an assistant. MAS@MSU provides students, especially those from underrepresented populations, with opportunities to engage in professional networking and faculty research projects.

Faculty mentors define projects and supervise students with implementation. Once completed, the project may be presented for internship credit, credit within the academic unit, or for other credits determined by the academic unit. Students are strongly encouraged to seek departmental support to attend seminars, conferences, and research-related meetings.

Each student receives an hourly wage, determined by the Office for Inclusive Engagement, which is paid via their work study funds. Students are responsible for arranging their own hours depending on faculty needs and transportation to worksites is on behalf of students.

For more information, please contact Dr. B. Judith Martínez, Ph.D. at JMartinez@MissouriState.edu.

Financial Aid: Work Study Guidelines

MÁS Student Profile Form

MÁS Faculty Request Form

 

 

Who is Eligible?

Undergraduate sophomore, junior, and senior students with work-study funding are eligible. Awards must be at least $1000 per semester, $2000 per year with possible summer employment for $1000. Eligible students will be available for research instruction and work 100 hours each semester at the designated location. In addition, a cumulative GPA of 2.4 or above is required.

 What are the Opportunities?

  • Research credit may be earned toward graduation
  • Opportunity for resume/vitae development
  • Establish faculty mentor connections
  • Support for travel opportunities
  • Use of work-study funds while advancing your course study           
  • Meet other students engaged with faculty research
  • Public recognition for work completed

 What are the expectations?

  • Students will complete a formal research PowerPoint presentation at the end of each year in the program during the MÁS conclusion meeting. 
  • All students will complete a survey to capture perceptions of their experience. 
  • Each mentor should formally convey research basics to the student. 
  • Hours worked must be completed at the job site. 
  • Research assistants are prohibited from working while the University is closed (i.e., winter break, national holidays, etc.). 

 What are the rewards?

  • Potential letter(s) of recommendation from faculty mentors
  • Certificate of completion signed by the program director
  • Eligibility for other research experiences

How are faculty matched with students?

The Special Projects Director and the Office for Inclusive Engagement will coordinate with interested faculty and students. Faculty mentors may also facilitate the matching process by providing names of potential candidates. Students can contact faculty directly to express interest. After notice of a potential match is provided, faculty will conduct interviews and formally choose the student research assistant as a result.

How do I Apply?

Interested students must be work-study eligible and also granted funds before completing a profile intake sheet. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to apply for work-study. 

MSU faculty are encouraged to complete and email Faculty Request Form. Eligible students can complete and email the Student Profile Form. 

For more information, please contact Dr. Judith Martinez at JMartinez@missouristate.edu.