Frequently Asked Questions

Mentors are at the heart of what McNair facilitates for our scholars. This page offers resources and literature about effective paths in mentorship. The program collaborates with Faculty Mentors to prepare McNair Scholars to successfully pursue a Ph.D. and careers in university teaching and research. Faculty mentors are essential for McNair’s success, and we rely on their dedication and support to mentor first-generation and low-income students with unique needs and unique rewards. If you are interested in mentoring McNair Scholars:

  1. Please nominate a student for the McNair orientation during the fall quarter by sending an email to mcnair@ewu.edu or using the McNair nomination card.
  2. As the student completes the Faculty interview assignment, please share your desire to Mentor them.

Please note, it is not the Director who selects faculty as mentors, but the students themselves based on their research topic and their learning styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the purpose of the McNair Scholars’ Program?

The McNair Scholars’ Program prepares low-income, first-generation college students, and students from groups underrepresented at the doctoral level, for success in graduate programs by providing scholarly activities and community engagement to empower engaged scholars as agents of positive change in a culturally diverse world.

Q. Why should I be a faculty mentor?
Q. Do faculty mentors receive compensation?
Q. What exactly is expected of faculty mentors?
Q. How are mentors selected?
Q. What kind of time commitment is required, and how should I interact with my mentee?
Q. What are the guidelines for mentors?
Q. What does it mean to mentor low-income, traditionally underrepresented and first-generation college students?
Q. What does the McNair Scholars' Program admissions process look like?