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About the Program
The Williams College Undergraduate Research Fellowship was established by the College in 1999 to provide opportunities for students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education to pursue advanced research while working with faculty mentors. The program evolved from the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which was funded by the US Department of Education from 1995-99. Groups traditionally underrepresented include the following: first generation college students; African American, Latino/a, Asian American, and Native American; and non-U.S. citizens of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent. In addition to research opportunities, the program provides its participants with support in the graduate school application process, with the long-term goal of positively impacting the representation of diverse groups in higher education.
The program begins the summer after sophomore year with the Summer Research Colloquium. This is a six-week long residential program at Williams that allows fellows from WCURF and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship to learn and practice advanced research skills. Following the Summer Research Colloquium, fellows work for four additional weeks on their research projects under the supervision of their faculty mentors. These weeks may be spent on or off campus, depending upon the plan established by the fellow and the mentor.
Fellows receive stipends in recognition of the required time commitment and to alleviate the need for jobs. Other benefits include travel money for fellows who wish to conduct their research away from Williams College or to attend conferences in their disciplines. The Office of Special Academic Programs works closely with each fellow to ensure high quality projects and good working relationships with mentors and to assist the fellows in the process of applying to graduate schools. Fellows participate in group meetings, regular advising, GRE preparation, and workshops related to the graduate school experience and academic careers.
Welcome & Forms | About the Program | Faculty Mentoring | Activities & Policies | Resources