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Summer 2009 Dates: May 31 - July 29
The Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) is pleased to announce the Summer Research Program for undergraduates from historically underrepresented groups. The goal of the program is to prepare students for doctoral study in a particular area of interest. The program provides an opportunity for promising minority undergraduates to work with Columbia GSAS faculty in specific research areas. Note: this program is not intended to provide preparation for professional schools (e.g. business, education, engineering, journalism, medical, law and social work).
Program DecsriptionThe Summer Research Program (SRP) for undergraduates from historically underrepresented groups began at the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) in 1989. Each summer since, promising undergraduate students from all over the United States have participated in an eight to ten week summer internship program conducting graduate-level research under the supervision of a Columbia University faculty mentor.
The program has a dual purpose; to expose underrepresented students to graduate-level acaddemic research so that they can begin to view the academy as a viable and realistic career path, and to address the shortage of underrepresented minorities in doctoral study.
The program's philosophy is that early exposure to research in the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences fosters a deeper knowledge of the particular field and, in turn, encourages students to develop their interest into academic careers. Additionally, the program promotes and develops skills that are necessary for success in doctoral study as students receive an introduction to the rigors and pleasures of advanced academic work.
The academic standard set attempts to challenge students to elevate their performance in all phases of research to that of a graduate student in the same field. Thus, the program is designed to approximate graduate study, particularly in mentor relationships, scholarly research and independent living. Group excursions to places of cultural and academic interest are also planned to complement the formal research.
The Academic JourneyIn addition to taking part in research, SRP students will take part in a number of other opportunities including weekly seminars and workshops, symposia and a number of group activities both on and off campus.
Faculty and ResearchEach student will undertake a discipline-appropriate summer research project in collaboration with an assigned faculty mentor. Many will find themselves integrated into on-going research, working closely with faculty and graduate students.
Weekly Seminars and WorkshopsIn addition to taking part in research, interns will participate in weekly seminars and workshops. Topics include tutorials on the graduate school application process, oral presentation for symposia and the Scholarly Journey series, in which advanced Columbia graduate students, faculty and professionals with doctorate degrees share their intellectual biographies, offer advice and discuss opportunities in academia and the private sector. During the weekly seminars, students will have regular opportunities to discuss their research projects.
Meetings
Meetings with staff and mentors provide an informal setting for discussions of varied topics, such as opportunities in academia as well as the nature and rewards of a career in academics and/or research.
Symposia
Students will present their research to faculty, graduate students and administrators at the Columbia Symposium. Students will also attend the annual national Leadership Alliance Summer Symposium. The Alliance is a consortium of colleges and universities, including Columbia, committed to the goal of increasing the number of minorities in higher education.
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