CLS-USask INSPIRE 2022 Summer Program 

The CLS-USask INSPIRE 2022 Summer Program will build on the success of last years’ experience.  It will provide opportunities for undergraduate student connections and mentorship, introduction to the CLS and synchrotron sciences, career planning, science communications, industry presentations and EDI training.   Please find attached the outline of the program.  Feel free to share with any colleagues who may have interested students. 

Here is what we are seeking from you: 

1.       Review Call for Students documents/inspire-call-for-summer-students-2022.pdf

2.       If you have a summer undergraduate student with a synchrotron sciences-linked project: 

• Encourage them to apply to be an INSPIRE Summer Student by completing this registration form https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/VVLG2WQ 
• [Optional] Additionally apply for a supplement from INSPIRE for your student. This is an application from supervisors, of $1000 or $2000 ($8000 total, up to $2000 per supervisor) by completing the UG Funding Request form. UG Funding Request Form
• Submit to Lenore at inspire@usask.ca by February 15, 2022. 
• Funded students are required to attend all sessions  

3.       Attend the welcome and poster/presentation session events 

4.       Become part of a summer Mentorship Circle. See below. 

5.       Nominate your graduate student to be a student mentor in the Mentorship Circle – this contributes to their own professional and personal development 

6.       Volunteer to organize a session or event for summer students. Contact Lenore at inspire@usask.ca) if you would like to volunteer.  

Mentorship Circles:  

An important element of INSPIRE is the Mentorship Circles, which we will have successfully implemented. The idea is for each trainee to be part of a smaller mixed group to broaden network of contacts, and to provide an opportunity for mentorship – career, life, academic. This may be particularly valuable this summer when chance encounters may still be challenging. For this summer I envisage a small group of undergraduates, along with one or more of each of a graduate student mentor, a CLS staff member, and a faculty member. The idea is that the group is not from the immediate discipline or work group of the student. The group is expected to meet three times during the summer, to get to know each other, to discuss future program/career opportunities and, in the closing weeks, to provide coaching on the student’s final presentation. There are no qualifications to participate, just an interest in interacting with students. I really hope that you, and hopefully your graduate student, will join. To sign up, please send e-mail to Lenore at inspire@usask.ca. 

Criteria for distributing supplements: 

Stipend applications will be evaluated by panel.  We hope to have decisions made by March 1, 2022.

• To receive a stipend supplement, a student must be employed at the University of Saskatchewan or the University of Regina 
• Maximum $2000 per supervisor (1x$2000 or up to 2x$1000). 
• Must be matched by additional funding. 
• Evaluated on:  
  • Nature of the work, including connection to synchrotron sciences 
  • Benefit to student, including learning outcomes, skill development or other benefits 
• Students graduating in Spring 2022 may be nominated for a summer undergraduate position and also apply for a Graduate Student Fellowship.  Earning a summer position will not impact the Graduate Fellowship decision.