The second-year experience will allow scholars to expand on the skills, experiences, and discoveries made during the first year. Second-year scholars will also be challenged to develop as leaders and as active participants in STEM research.
Program Requirements – Year 2
Core Requirements
Capstone Project (40hr/ac. year)
Every second year scholar will perform a 40 hour, independently designed capstone research project. More information will be given Spring of Year 1. Please note it is a 40 hour minimum.
Poster Presentation (Spring): As part of the capstone project, students will be required to present their completed project (poster) for peers and faculty during April of their second year.
STEM EE Scholars Events (2/sem)
STEM EE Events are in-program and hosted by either the Program Manager or the Leadership Council; they include trips, programs, events and activities & will have a focus on one or more of the Program Goals.
Community Meetings (monthly)
STEM EE Community Meeting will occur 2 times per month. These meetings will include guest speakers, activities, and important program updates. *Scholars serving as mentors may be excused from 1 monthly meeting in Fall
One-on-One Meeting
Every STEM EE Scholar is required to have a one-on-one meeting with the program manager during Spring Semester. Sign-Ups will begin in January.
ePortfolio
Every Scholar is given an Honors & Scholars ePortfolio. STEM EE Scholars will utilize this system heavily. Second-year scholars will use the ePortfolio as a method of tracking progress through the Capstone Project.
GPA (3.0 Cumulative)
Every Scholar is required to attain a 3.0 cumulative GPA by the end of each academic year.
Mentor Program (optional)
Second Year Scholars are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the optional mentor program as a mentor for incoming First Year Scholars. This will include an additional time commitment for Fall semester only. Mentors will be required to attend mentor training and mentor selection during the Welcome Event (Sunday before Fall Start)
Incentivized Involvement (optional)
Scholars are encouraged to get involved with STEM on Campus! This can include student organizations, departmental seminars, etc. While it is not required for scholars to attend these events, it is highly encouraged as familiarity and integration into the campus STEM community increases student success. Scholars can log any extra events/meetings they attend for the chance to earn prizes each semester!
Common Questions
Do I have to live with my scholars program during my second year?
No you do not. The housing requirement (for scholars) is only a one year commitment. You do still have to follow university housing policy in regards to on-campus residence requirements. As you approach your second year, you will select housing through the lottery system – same as the general student population. Many scholars choose to room with other scholars during year 2 (and 3 & 4) but it is up to you. You may also choose to live in any dorm on campus.
Do I still need to keep a specified window open in my schedule (Wednesday, 4:10-5:05 pm)?
Yes! It is vital that scholars keep the specified STEM Scholars window open in their schedules each semester. This is the time when we will hold most events and meetings and it guarantees that you will have the opportunity to fulfill all of your requirements. If you have an unavoidable scheduling error, you must speak with the program manager ASAP.
Can I complete my capstone project over the summer?
You may choose to use reputable summer research experiences for your capstone project. However, you must submit your proposal by April 20th in order to have it approved before the end of Spring semester – year 1.