Becoming a SURI Mentor
The Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) at Farmingdale State College is a summer long (usually 10-12 weeks), non-credit bearing,
hands-on research experience designed for Farmingdale State College first and second
years and High School Juniors and Seniors. SURI provides students with structured,
faculty-guided research or applied learning experiences that strengthen academic skills,
deepen professional identity, and expand students’ readiness for advanced study and
the workforce.
Each summer, SURI matches Scholars with faculty-mentored research projects across
nearly all disciplines at Farmingdale State College. Faculty mentors receive financial
support and dedicated student research assistance, while students gain an unparalleled
experiential learning opportunity with a stipend of up to $4,000.
Faculty mentors receive a stipend of up to $5,000 for leading a SURI research cluster. Clusters of mentees include: 2 Farmingdale Fellows
and up to 3 High School Scholars.
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Your Role and Benefits
SURI Mentors guide undergraduate students through research skill-building, inquiry, analysis,
and communication of scholarly work. Mentors also support students’ professional development,
helping them build confidence, independence, and research identity.
Why Mentor a SURI Fellow?
Engaging undergraduate students in mentored research is a high‐impact practice with
multi‐layered benefits. Faculty who mentor undergraduates report:
- Enhanced research productivity and new perspectives on investigation.
- Stronger integration of teaching and research activities, and more meaningful professional
relationships with students.
- Support of institutional goals such as student retention, especially for historically
underserved students.
By serving as a SURI mentor you:
- Advance your research agenda via dedicated undergraduate and high school mentees and
strengthen your teaching, advising, and mentorshIp portfolio
- Enhance students’ experience by shaping their investigative growth and professional
identity and build a pipeline of talented long-term research students
- Receive a competitive stipend and formal recognition for mentorship while expanding
your funding and grant competitiveness as an undergraduate research mentor
- Increase opportunities for publications and presentations of your work during SURI
and beyond
Make a Transformational Difference in a Student's Life and Academic Experience!
The SURI Experience: The Fellows & Expectations
Drawing from national exemplars, our program offers scholars:
- A structured summer research immersion, typically 8–12 weeks depending on discipline.
- Bi-Weekly mentoring meetings, professional development programming, and a culminating
symposium.
- Dedicated summer long fellows and research interns.
For faculty mentors, expectations typically include:
- Weekly structured contact with your scholar(s)
- Oversight of the research project and student growth
- Submission of mid‐ and end‐term evaluations of student performance
- If applicable, facilitation of ethical review (IRB/IACUC) and clear project timelines
- Mandatory attendance of the SURI Opening (June 7, 2027) and Closing Expo (August 19,
2027)
What You Provide & What Scholars Gain
You Provide:
- A project with meaningful undergraduate participation
- Weekly interaction (face-to-face or hybrid)
- Guidance in the development of student research skills (e.g., formulating research
questions, navigating ambiguity, communicating results)
- Evaluation of student performance mid- and end-term
- Commitment to maintain a safe, inclusive research environment
Scholars Gain:
- Hands-on research experience anchored by faculty mentorship
- Professional development and exposure to research culture
- Enhanced critical thinking, communication, and career clarity
- Opportunity to present work publicly (poster/oral)
A supportive scaffold toward graduate study or workforce readiness
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Your Responsibilities
- Propose a clearly defined summer research project
- Meet with the RAM Research Director to review project expectations
- Participate in student selection (interviews, review of materials, etc.)
- Collaborate with each Fellow to complete the SURI Learning Agreement
- Obtain IRB approval if the project involves human subjects
- Provide 200 hours of mentored research activity for each Fellow
- Hold weekly meetings with the Fellows and HS Scholars
- Support and monitor students’ progress, skills development, and safety
- Submit Mid-Summer and Final Evaluations (survey link provided via email)
- Notify the RAM Research Director promptly of any concerns
- Prepare students for the SURI Expo
- Review and approve final project materials, posters, or presentations
- Submit final evaluation materials
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Applications Close: November 2, 2026 at 11:59PM
The Process:
Step 1: Review program timeline and mentor expectations
Step 2: Submit your project proposal using the online application form (link below)
Step 3: Once approved, projects are posted to the SURI portal; students apply and
are matched
Step 4: Meet with your scholar(s) to complete the Learning Agreement (student + mentor
+ RAM Research Director)
Step 5: Over the summer, supervise, meet weekly, submit evaluations, guide toward
final presentation
Application Requirements:
- Project Title
- Project Description: aims, methods, student tasks
- Desired Student Qualifications (Reminder; this experience is meant for first and second
years of college and Junior and Seniors of High School - this is about exposure!)
- Mentorship Plan/Syllabus: schedule, milestones, meetings
- Timeline: start date, end date, hours/week
- Video Submission
- Resume/CV
- Professional Headshot
- Outcome(s): expected product, presentation, or deliverable
- Liability Form
- IRB/IACUC Status (if applicable)
Apply Here
Applications Close on Monday,
November 2, 2026 at 11:59pm!
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