Summer Research Opportunity Programming
In addition to enhancing research skills with our top-ranked faculty, our SROP cohort will have opportunities for professional development and networking across our Northwestern graduate community. This portfolio of programming provides emerging scholars a toolkit of skills and knowledge to best navigate the beginning of their graduate experience.
Below are the typical SROP programmatic components required of students throughout the summer. Due to the full-time commitment of research and activities, we do not recommend SROP participants take on additional internships or outside employment.
SROP Orientation
Northwestern’s SROP will host a mandatory virtual orientation ahead of the program to introduce the SROP team and expectations for the summer. A mandatory in person orientation will take place after arrival day to better acclimate the cohort to each other and the SROP schedule.
Purple Table Talks
Purple Table Talks (PTTs) are weekly in-person sessions where graduate mentors and the SROP cohort can have candid and in-depth discussions about the cultural context and life as a graduate student. PTTs will be a private dialogue between grad students and undergraduates, with no TGS staff or admin included and is designed to foster a safe space for open communications between students. Topics will attend to the potential anxieties, concerns, and questions of an undergraduate entering graduate school, including navigating imposter syndrome, finding a community, seeking mentorships, and more.
Navigating Northwestern
This virtual information series is designed to equip participants with essential skills and insights to excel in their academic and professional pursuits. Navigating Northwestern offers a range of virtual workshops and resources focusing on graduate school preparation, networking, and academic success strategies.
Networking & Community Building
All SROP participants will be matched with a current graduate student mentor to serve as a guide throughout the summer.
As part of the SROP schedule, we include various social engagements to help students find community through the summer. Past social events include ice cream socials, picnics, and beach days.
Our Summertime Chi event takes place midway through the summer as an experience for our SROP cohort to meet current Northwestern graduate students in a casual and social setting.
SROP Research Symposium
As the summer closes out, all SROP participants will be required to present their research at the SROP Research Symposium. This event includes oral and poster presentations by the cohort, as well as keynote speakers from The Graduate School administration. Faculty, staff, and current students from the Northwestern community and neighboring universities are invited to engage with the presentations.