Are you passionate about research and eager to inspire the next generation of scholars? The Associate Provost for Student Success in Academic Affairs is seeking dedicated Research Success Mentors to guide 22 Cal Poly Scholars during their summer undergraduate research program experience in CENG and CLA, during the summer from June 23 to August 29, 2025.
Responsibilities:
As a generalized Research Success Mentor, you will be matched in a small group with up to 3 Cal Poly Scholars enrolled in a SURP opportunity in either CLA or CENG. You will provide your Cal Poly Scholars protégé the following:
- Provide Research Process Insights: Share your expertise on research careers, publication strategies, and tips for navigating challenges in research.
- Offer Research Career Advice/Guidance: Support students in developing/advancing their research projects, building professional skills, and exploring opportunities in research. Provide practical advice on career exploration.
- Foster Community: Meet with your protégés at least twice over the summer (hybrid format) and join the group for an in-person lunch to connect, provide support and celebrate progress.
- Share Presentation Feedback: Provide feedback on research presentation slides and help students practice their oral presentations and written materials to advance their communication for impact and prepare for their research presentations at the SURP+ Conference and at the inaugural Cal Poly Scholars-Nuestra Ciencia Student Presentations Advancing Research & Knowledge (SPARK) Conference in November 2025.
- Participate in Networking opportunities across Cal Poly amongst students, staff, faculty and administrators invested in research opportunities as a high impact practice.
Qualifications
- At least 4 years of experience conducting research in an academic, industry, or applied setting
- Prior publication or presentation of research findings
- Interest in mentoring and supporting undergraduate students
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Open to all full-time, part-time and temporary faculty
*Note: FERPing faculty are not eligible for compensation
Time Commitment
Up to 5-10 hours total over the summer with your 3 mentees (about $500 as summer non-teaching appointment), including two hybrid meetings (<1 hour) and one in-person group lunch over the summer. If you have a passion for mentorship and a desire to make a meaningful impact this summer, we encourage you to apply! Help shape the future of research at Cal Poly—become a Research Success Mentor this summer.
Research Success Mentor Interest Form
Complete today and inspire the next generation of researchers!
Deadline: Monday, June 16, 2025, 5 pm.
Interest Form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Ysjxn6wCe0 (<5 min)
Questions? Please contact Susan Cheng, Associate Provost for Student Success at scheng45@calpoly.edu.
