Unavailable
Advisor
Lindsey
Berginski
Context: Before you begin your
research, you are discussing some ideas for a paper with a professor. The professor tells you to proceed with
this
idea and that s/he will mentor your research.
You conduct your research and return to the professor for advice
during
the process in which you actually write your paper, but the professor no
longer
has time to help you. The problem
thickens when the undergraduate research office tells you that you can not
change faculty mentors.
Problem: You no longer have
regular
help from your faculty advisor.
Forces:
·
Professors
and students are very busy.
·
Oftentimes,
schedules will conflict.
·
Individuals
may offer a service that is not practical given their
schedule.
·
Regular,
consistent meeting times are important to develop a paper
thoroughly.
Solution: Establish meetings
and a
serious commitment with a professor you trust and know well. In the beginning, set up a scheduled
meeting
time at least once a week. Talk to
the
professor about his or her, as well as your, future schedules. Also talk to other students, if
available,
who have worked with the professor or been advised by the professor
concerning
research in the past. Finally,
seek out
a second reader in your department.
Consequences: The unexpected may
happen. Do not worry but continue
the
process the best you can when faced with such constraints. It will work if you make it
work.
Known
Uses:
Undergraduate Research Students