Eligibility

UI Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program

Each year, nine University of Iowa undergraduates will be competitively appointed to the UI McNair Scholars Program as “Iowa Scholars.” Iowa Scholars will complete the summer program in addition to an academic year appointment.  In addition, eighteen undergraduates from outside the University of Iowa will be competitively appointed to the UI McNair Scholars Program as “Visiting Scholars” each year. Students must submit a completed application for review by the UI McNair Program Advisory Committee. Eligible candidates are required to:

• Commit to full participation in the academic year and summer program if an "Iowa Scholar".
• Hold “junior” standing toward completion of the bachelor’s degree. (UI students hold junior standing upon completing 59 hours; non-UI students will refer to their institution's standard for junior-year status.)
• Have achieved a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA; based on a 4.0 point scale).
  
• Have a stated goal of achieving a doctoral degree (Ph.D.), following completion of the bachelor’s degree.
  
• Be a citizen or national of the U.S.; or be a permanent resident of the U.S.; or provide evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his/her intent to become a permanent resident; or be a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or be a resident of one of the Freely Associated States. (These citizenship rules are defined by the U.S. Department of Education.)
  
• Be a low-income individual¹ who is a first-generation college student²; or be a member of a group that is underrepresented³ in graduate education.

¹ A low-income individual is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as an individual whose family’s taxable income did not exceed 150% of the poverty level in the calendar year preceding the year in which the individual participates in the project. Poverty level income is determined by using criteria of poverty established by the Bureau of the Census of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

² A first-generation college student is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as 1) a student neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree; or 2) a student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree; or 3) an individual who, prior to the age of 18, did not regularly reside with or receive support from a natural or an adoptive parent.

³ Underrepresented students, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education, include African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, American Indians/Alaskan Natives; or members of a group that is underrepresented in certain academic disciplines as documented by standard statistical references or other national survey data submitted to accepted by the U. D. Department of Education on a case-by-case basis.

CIC/Summer Research Opportunity Program

CIC/SROP at the University of Iowa provides research opportunities for undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in pursuing Ph.D. degrees and academic/research careers. The program is designed to increase educational access for students from diverse backgrounds. Students from groups historically underrepresented in the humanities, arts, social sciences, engineering, and physical and natural sciences are encouraged to apply. Applicants from racial and ethnic minority groups and low-income, first-generation students are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference is given to students completing their junior year, although outstanding sophomores are considered for admission as well. 

Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

•     Be enrolled in a degree-granting program at a college or university.
•     Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
•     Have a stated goal of achieving a doctoral degree (Ph.D), following completion of the bachelor's degree.
•     Must have a genuine interest in research and teaching as a career.
•     Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States.
•     Be willing to devote full time to the program during the eight week summer session.            
•     Students may not take classes or be employed.
•     Freshman and graduating seniors are not generally considered.
•     Mentor projects may have specific requirements that must also be met.

Applying to the Program

To apply to the SROP/McNair Scholars Program at the University of Iowa, fill out the SROP/McNair application form and submit it electronically. Applicants must also submit an official transcript and 2 academic letters of recommendation.

Please have these items mailed to:

Diana J. Bryant
SROP/McNair Scholars Program Coordinator
Office of Graduate Ethnic Inclusion
The Graduate College
Room 411 Gilmore Hall
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
319-335-2148

If reference letters are emailed, please have referees follow-up with a hard copy on official letterhead to Diana Bryant at the address provided above.