ERLI Criteria
Eligibility criteria for the ERLI Scholars program include:
- Completed at least one semester at Kent State University
- Demonstrating a minimum GPA of 2.0 at the end of your second semester
- Sophomore: 2.0-2.5
- Junior: 2.5-3.0
- Senior: 3.0-above
- First generation, low income, underrepresented, diverse population**
**Diverse population include: LGBTQ community, African American, Hispanic, Native American
Research Methods Seminar/McNair Seminars
ERLI Scholars will participate in a research methods seminar taught by a Kent State Faculty member. This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to research proposal writing, research methodologies, and foundational research theories and protocols. Scholars in the course will learn about the cyclical nature of applied research and the process of research writing. The course teaches scholars to write a proposal and to work collaboratively with their faculty mentor.
Enrolled scholars will:
- Attend and actively participate in class sessions and related activities.
- Learn about the research process, including its guiding principles, common procedures, written fundamentals, and basic phases.
- Identify a research question, engage in a literature review, and become familiar with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Complete all assignments and the required research proposal that will facilitate a summer research project and culminating final paper.
- Develop a mentor-mentee relationship with a faculty mentor that agrees to guide a research project.
- Receive preparation to engage in advanced, independent research at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Comprehensive Academic and Career Plans
In collaboration with Career Explanation and Development (CED), ERLI Scholars will be required to meet with the Associate Director and a career advisor to discuss and develop a career plan.
Comprehensive Academic and Career Plan includes:
- Resume Development
- Mock Interviews
- Academic/Career Reflection
- Informational Interviews/Job Shadowing
- Online Portfolio Development
In collaboration with Career Explanation and Development (CED), ERLI Scholars will be required to meet with the Associate Director and a career advisor to discuss and develop a career plan.
Leadership and Civic Engagement (collaboration with OEECE)
ERLI Scholars will also participate in a leadership retreat to help scholars think about the diverse world we live and work in; and engage in how research can aid in becoming a leader. ERLI will also partner with OEECE to provide scholars with a group service opportunity to expand volunteer experience.
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (S.U.R.E.)
Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (S.U.R.E.) fellowships provide an opportunity for undergraduate researchers to engage directly with a faculty mentor, gain valuable experience to clarify career and educational goals, enhance research skills, and gain academic insight. The ERLI Scholars will be encouraged to apply for the SURE program. If accepted they will engage in summer research and present at the ERLI Scholar Research Symposium in August.