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What is the McNair Scholars Program?
 The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (the McNair
Scholars Program) is funded by a U.S.
Department of Education grant and by Trinity University. The program
prepares well-qualified undergraduate students for success in doctoral
studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities.
Working closely with their academic advisors, the Director, the Program
Coordinator, McNair Tutorial faculty, and faculty research mentors, McNair
Scholars receive comprehensive, ongoing academic career support.
First-Year:
During the first year, a pre-cohort of McNair Scholars will receive
specific advice from McNair Tutorial faculty and their fellow McNair
Scholars on the transition from high school to college. As part of the
pre-cohort, first-year McNair Scholars attend workshops that demystify
academia, provide real-world academic advice (about such issues as time
management, study skills, and utilizing laboratory facilities), and help
them understand and identify with academic culture.
Sophomore Year:
During their sophomore year, McNair Scholars enroll in
GNED 2110 (“McNair Tutorial”), a one credit-hour seminar
delivered by McNair Tutorial faculty on the fundamental components of good
scholarship. McNair Scholars also identify and begin to work with a
research mentor to develop a full research proposal for the summer
research program, an intensive, ten-week, on-campus research experience.
McNair Scholars enroll in GNED 3_12 (“McNair Research Internship”) under the
guidance of their research mentor so that they have ample time to initiate
background reading, establish research protocols, and refine the details
of their research proposals. The summer research program requires McNair
Scholars to devote at least 36 hours per week to research.
Junior Year:
During their junior year, McNair Scholars enroll in GNED 3110 (“McNair Tutorial”), which continues group-centered research
activities. To build a strong record of research accomplishments, a second
summer of research then follows the McNair Scholar’s junior year. During
their junior year, McNair Scholars also visit research universities such
as the University of Texas at Austin and Rice University in Houston.
Senior Year:
During their senior year, McNair Scholars enroll in GNED 4110 (“McNair Tutorial”), which focuses almost exclusively on the
graduate school application process, from selecting potential schools and
obtaining letters of recommendation to filling out application forms and
writing a personal statement. Senior McNair Scholars also have the
opportunity to “shadow” a faculty mentor as he or she designs a syllabus,
prepares for class, and teaches. McNair Scholars may offer a guest lecture
as part of the “shadowing” process.
Throughout their undergraduate careers, McNair Scholars participate
actively in the life of the campus community and in the wider San Antonio academic community by attending guest lectures, graduate school fairs,
and cultural institutions.
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