Maintaining Your Scholarship
The annual renewal criteria is based on yearly reapplication to the program in which:
- Students will need to demonstrate an interest to explore science opportunities through research and selected course work (students with pre-professional career goals are only eligible if they demonstrate interest in research or similar science experience).
- Students need to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00. If the GPA is lower, students have to reapply to receive probation with downsized scholarship. We know that anyone can encounter problems during their studies and want to help to overcome these problems; therefore, we will work with students and advisors to resolve such issues on a case by case basis. In annual evaluation both cumulative and semester-based GPA will also be considered.
- The amount of the scholarship is based on GPA with the maximum possible ($5,000) for 3.5 GPA and higher pending financial aid eligibility (FAFSA).
- Students will also be encouraged to attend the seminar described below.
Attendance of Seminar A&S 299 (1 credit)
Students will be informed about registration for the US MASTER seminar via E-mail. The seminar meets once every week (the exact scheduling is determined at the beginning of the semester). The seminar is strongly recommended for students to receive ongoing support from the US MASTER program.
The aim of this seminar is to bring US MASTER students together as a cohort, enabling personalized interaction with peers and other faculty. The seminar sessions are informal, allowing students to talk about their experiences and problems. The seminar's goal is to provide professional development and to inform students about research opportunities. Faculty and students pursuing research present and discuss research topics. Within the seminar, students are asked to complete short writing assignments addressing both research and professional development.
Research Participation
Participation in research projects is not mandatory but strongly encouraged, as it broadens the students' horizons in their field. Portions of the seminar may be replaced by a research component upon approval of the instructor. Upon request, the US MASTER program is able to provide some financial support for materials and conference travel.
Advising
An essential component of the US MASTER program is the Academic Success Plan, which includes multiple meetings with mentors (advisors) to receive help and discuss academic plans. The academic success plan is built as a required component of the seminar and has specific timeline. Its main components are:
- Early Warning Progress Reports
- Completion of information survey required for NSF reporting (link provided individually and through the blackboard)
- 1st Meeting with advisor early in the semester
- 2nd Meeting with advisor at midterm
Travel Opportunities
The US MASTER program may provide for students partial support for the travel to the meetings. To apply please upload, fill and complete the US MASTER Travel Application.