MMUF & SROP Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions for students looking to participate in the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) and the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP).Program Participation
Is participation in SROP required for MMUF students?
Yes. MMUF students are expected to participate in Northwestern's mandatory eight-week Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) during the summer following their sophomore year.
What if I already have summer plans?
Students who have made alternate summer plans may still apply to MMUF. However, this must be noted in the initial MMUF application.
If I attend SROP, is the final research symposium required?
Yes. If you participate in SROP, the final research symposium is mandatory.
Research and Advising
Who will be my summer research adviser?
Your summer research adviser and your Mellon Mays (MMUF) faculty mentor should be the same Northwestern University faculty member.
What does the SROP experience include?
MMUF students participating in SROP will:
- Conduct faculty-supervised research
- Participate in enrichment activities (e.g. IRB workshops, writing workshops, research roundtables)
- Attend regular MMUF cohort meetings
- Present at the SROP research conference
Will I meet with MMUF staff during the summer?
Yes. Students meet regularly with MMUF coordinators and cohort members to discuss research progress and professional development.
Housing and Logistics
Is housing provided during SROP?
Yes. MMUF students follow the same housing arrangements in the Foster-Walker Residential Complex as the regular SROP cohort.
What if there is a gap between spring housing and summer housing?
A late stay will be covered by the MMUF program to bridge the period between the last spring dorm date and the start of summer housing. All other housing questions can be answered under the SROP FAQs.
Is transportation covered?
Students are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel to and from Evanston before and after the summer program begins. Flights are not covered by the program.
Commitment and Expectations
What is the time commitment?
SROP is a full-time, eight-week summer research program. Students are expected to be fully engaged through the program.
Can I leave early or arrive late?
Because the program culminates in a mandatory research symposium, students are expected to participate for the full duration if they commit to SROP.
What happens if I opt out of SROP?
Students who opt out of SROP may still participate in MMUF but should coordinate alternative summer research plans with their MMUF adviser.