ryn Mawr College has participated in the MMUF program since its inception in 1988. In any give year, there are ten MMUF students at the College, five seniors and five juniors. The application process is open primarily to sophomores and takes place every spring. The program accepts applications from:

• underrepresented minority students interested in pursuing a research project in one of the Mellon designated fields of study (see below).
  
• any student, regardless of race or ethnicity, who has a demonstrated commitment to eradicating racial disparities in academia and who wishes to pursue research in one of the designated areas.

In addition, criteria for eligibility include:

• interest in pursuing a Ph.D. and an academic career in one of the designated fields
  
• commitment to participating fully in all aspects of the program
  
• willingness to work with a faculty mentor on a Mellon approved research project during the junior and senior years
• strong academic promise
  
• status as U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

MMUF Areas
The MMUF program has identified 21 fields of study most underrepresented by minorities in the academy.

Research and Mentoring
Each fellow conducts an individual research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor during the junior and senior years. Guided research is the foundation of MMUF, and it is intended to prepare the student for graduate study.

Each fellow is paired with a faculty mentor with whom she is expected to meet on a regular basis. Mentoring represents a serious commitment of time and effort and an integral aspect of the MMUF program.  

Meetings/Workshops/Trips
Students gather at least once a month to present their research, exchange and critique ideas and support each other's goals.

Fellows attend a workshop on research at the end of the spring semester. In addition, workshops are offered on topics such as preparation for the GRE, writing and research skills, interview skills, presentation skills, navigating social codes of life in academia and financial aid. Students attend lectures or other events at nearby MMUF host campuses, as well. We have also planned cultural outings such as attending a Broadway play or dance performances.

Stipends
Academic Year (Fall and Spring) Each fellow is currently awarded $1600 for the year, $800 each semester, in regular monthly payments. This stipend is intended to facilitate opportunities for scholars to engage in research with a faculty mentor, by alleviating or eliminating the need to engage in additional paid employment. In exchange for the stipend, the Mellon Foundation expects fellows to conduct research for several hours per week during the academic year.

Summer Stipend: The MMUF offers a summer stipend to allow fellows to participate, for a minimum of six weeks, in a meaningful research or work experience that may be underpaid or even unpaid. Immediately after being admitted to the program, new fellows are encouraged to confer with their Mentor and Coordinators for help identifying or refining an area of intended study.   Sophomores are eligible for up to $3000 in summer stipend funds.

With the support of their mentor and/or Coordinators, fellows in the junior year are expected to design a summer experience that will enhance and complement studies in their major. They are eligible for up to $3000 in summer stipend funds.

Fellows will submit a brief proposal (including a detailed budget) to the coordinator(s) and faculty mentor. Funds, minus $300, are awarded when the proposal has been approved.   The final $300 will be awarded in September when the final report on the summer project is submitted.  

MMUF summer grant funds must be used for the purposes described in the proposal; unused funds must be accounted for. Changes in students' summer plans must be communicated promptly to program coordinators. PLEASE NOTE: MMUF summer grants may not be combined with any other fellowship or grant offered by the College unless there are special circumstances.  

Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to study abroad but they must maintain regular communication with their Faculty Mentor and MMUF Program Coordinators.

Travel Funds
While not guaranteed, travel funds may be available to support fellows' participation in academic conferences or to attend scholarly meetings that may expose students to ideas which expand their comprehension and insight of a research subject or career directions.   Students who anticipate a need for travel expenses should speak with the coordinator about the availability of funds and reimbursement procedures.

Loan Repayment
Fellows are eligible for up to $10,000 for the repayment of undergraduate loans, provided they enroll in full-time graduate study.

EXPECTATIONS OF MMUF PROGRAM FELLOWS

The following procedures, policies, and expectations are essential to the success of the program.  

Fellows must demonstrate a serious effort toward academic excellence and continued academic progress.   Although there is no established minimum GPA for participation in the program, fellows must maintain a solid academic record.

Fellows are required to participate in MMUF programs and events:

• Monthly meetings during the academic year
• Regular meetings with your mentor
• Occasional assignments that may include reading articles, attending lectures, etc.
• National/regional gatherings of MMUF fellows
• Workshops, activities, and programs as assigned

Fellows must give evidence of attending to the achievement of postgraduate career goals.

Fellows will meet periodically with coordinators and are expected to participate in and be open to feedback and evaluation regarding their overall performance.

Evaluation
All fellows appointed in the sophomore year will be reevaluated at the end of the junior year before being approved to continue for the second year. This will give students, mentors, and coordinators the chance to more fully determine if the program offers the right match between a student's career objectives and the MMUF's goals.

Senior fellows are required to deliver a public presentation in the second semester of senior year on their thesis or a senior research paper or project.

The Mellon Foundation requires each fellow to submit regular records to the Foundation. Both the Foundation and the Bryn Mawr coordinators must have up-to-date contact information for fellows--even after graduation. Because the Foundation is making a long-term investment in its fellows, and collecting information to assess the effectiveness of the program, it is essential that accurate and up-to-date records be maintained on each student. Periodically, you will receive reporting forms (online or hard copy). Please complete and return them promptly.

 

Dean's Office • Bryn Mawr College • 101 N. Merion Avenue • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-2899
Phone (610) 526-6594
by Oliva Cardona;© 2007 Bryn Mawr College