Marian Sarah Parker Scholars Frequently Asked Questions

The Marian Sarah Parker Scholars Program (MSP) was named after one of the first female graduates of the U of M College of Engineering. This is an honorary program which encourages and supports women in the career/graduate school decision-making process surrounding the completion of the undergraduate degree. Students are invited to participate on the basis of their academic achievement and potential to attend graduate school. Completing the program will be deemed an honor and can be included in your resume, graduate school application and curriculum vitae.

The Parker Scholars Program begins with the Fall Term Orientation; Workshops will be conducted throughout Winter term. The components are:

• Workshops
  Two workshops focusing on graduate school and research careers will be held Winter term. (Dinner is served at every workshop.)

February - "Career Options with a Graduate Engineering Degree"
March - "Going to Graduate School: What Every Undergraduate Needs to Know"

Alternative make-up assignments will be assigned to students unable to attend the workshops with an acceptable exuse.

• Internships
  A 160-hour research experience with a faculty member is the next major component of the program upon completion of the workshops. Participants are requested to come to the Women in Engineering office and look through the "Binder" of research projects submitted by faculty and research scientists; make copies of the research projects of interest to them; and arrange a meeting with the professor to discuss his/her research project. Once a project has been decided upon, the "Internship Form" must be filled out by the student and returned to our office for processing.

Awards are offered in two ways:

Faculty members are formally invited to participate each year.

• Report
  Upon completion of their research, MSP Scholars are required to submit a 2-3 page report, which should include a description of the research experience, the role of the MSP scholar, and how the research experience may or may not have influenced their decision to go to graduate school. (A report generated for the faculty member will suffice.) It should be turned in no later than one month upon completion of the internship.

  Certificates. Certificates of Completion for the program will be mailed to MSP Scholars upon receipt of their report in our office.

• Additional Information
  
  MSP Travel Grant. Travel Grant applications are available in the WIE office for MSP Scholars. Limited funds are available to supplement students who wish to attend special conferences or activities related to their research or area of interest. Preference will be given to students who are presenting. Applications for funds should be submitted at least one month prior to the travel date.

Marian Sarah Parker Scholars FAQs

How was I selected as a MSP Scholar? You were selected based on your Cumulative GPA; third-year term; and potential for attending graduate school.

What should I do if I cannot attend one of the sessions? Sessions will only be excused for exams or illness. A comprehensive make-up assignment will be assigned.

What is the process for selecting an internship? Come to the office and look through the MSP binder containing research projects., make copies of those internships that interest you., and arrange a meeting with the professor to discuss his/her research project. Once a project has been decided upon, the "Internship Form" must be filled out by the student and returned to our office for processing.

What questions should I ask during an interview for the research internship? We will supply you with a short list of questions.

During which terms can I do my internship? Any semester following the winter semester; spring, summer, or fall.

Who sets the days and hours for the internship? You and your professor will agree upon an acceptable schedule.

If I choose to take credit hours instead of payment, do I register for Independent Study? Yes, and you will need to obtain the Independent Study course number from your department.

If I choose not to participate, how should I inform your office? Simply e-mail us or call the office.

Nicole Panyard, Secretary, Women in Engineering Office npanyard@umich.edu 647-7012

Cinda-Sue Davis, Director, Women in Science and Engineering Program csdavis@umich.edu 647-7012 or 615-4455

Debbie Taylor, Director, Women in Engineering Office dpoet@umich.edu 647-7014