University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
PA-7: Support for Future Faculty Diversity

The UW-Whitewater McNair Program prepares first-generation and multicultural students for masters and doctoral study as well as eventual careers as faculty. The program provides educational and professional role models, introduces students to high-quality research settings, improves student skills and profiles so they can complete rigorous courses of academic study, with special emphasis on qualitative, computer, writing, interpersonal, and test-taking skills; research methods; critical thinking. It also assists students in acquiring fellowships, graduate assistantships, and related positions so that they can pursue doctoral study. A central feature of the program is the mentoring provided by UW-Whitewater faculty where each scholar receives guidance in working on a research project, as well as regular contact with a professional role model. The research component requires each scholar to complete a research project and present that project at a professional conference. Scholars participate in a research internship during their second summer at a university, regional, or national research center.