Faculty-Student Research Assistant Program (FSRAP)
Suggestions for Faculty Mentors and Student Research Assistants
"Finding creative ways to foster the "research-teaching nexus" brings benefits to both students and faculty. By serving as research assistants, students can help us move forward more effectively with our scholarship. By modeling the role of the teaching scholar, faculty can mentor students in the values, practices, and attitudes of the community of scholars."
--Diane Jonte-Pace, Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Development, Santa Clara University
For Faculty: How to benefit the most from your student research assistant
Research support:
Identify what you would like your student to do to support your research. Be aware that you may need to train your student in these skills. SCU's Orradre and IT staff will assist you in training your student.
Explain things clearly from the beginning. Be prepared to explain things more than once. Do not assume that your student already knows and understands your intentions or your project.
Set high standards -- and be patient.
Establish a regular meeting schedule.
Mentoring:
Identify what mentoring involves to you.
Identify what knowledge and talents you can offer a student.
Articulate for yourself the benefits of being a mentor.
Expect mentoring relationships to change over time.
Develop plans and agreements about student responsibilities and shared responsibilities.
Remember this acronym: STELLAR (Support, Teach, Explain, LListen, Ask, Repeat it)
For Students: How to benefit the most from your relationship with your faculty mentor.
"Students who participate in faculty research projects become more confident as learners and more capable of thinking independently. They learn how research within their discipline leads to the creation of knowledge, and they express greater satisfaction with their educational experiences."
--A. Jenkins (2003) Reshaping Teaching in Higher Education: Linking Teaching and Research
Decide on your goals.
Identify what you could gain from a mentor.
Consider your own skills, knowledge, working style, and availability. Be clear about this when consulting with your mentor. Don't hesitate to ask for clarifications and explanations.
Expect mentoring relationships to change over time
Set realistic expectations.
Be aware that a single mentor may not meet all your goals: different mentors will contribute in different ways to your learning during your undergraduate years.
Develop agreements about shared responsibilities and shared credit.
Learn about your FSRAP mentor's interests and research.
Consult with other students in the FSRAP program and with other FSRAP teams.
Establish a regular meeting schedule
Remember this acronym: LATCh (Listen, Ask, Try it, Check it)
