Student Inquiry and Research Program Details
Student Responsibilities regarding the Advisor
Secure an Advisor
Securing an advisor for the investigation is a critical part of the early stages of the student's planning process: without adult guidance the investigation proposal will not be approved. A potential advisor is any qualified on-campus or off-campus professional who is willing and able to guide the student thoughtfully during the entire investigation. Advisor qualifications may stem from professional training, experience, or interest in the particular subject area.
Before contacting any potential off-campus advisor directly, please discuss that person with the Student Inquiry and Research Coordinator. Some institutions currently require that student placement with an advisor be done only through IMSA's Coordinator of Student Inquiry and Research; permission to conduct investigations at such institutions may be jeopardized if the institution's procedures are not followed.
Know what to expect of an Advisor
The role of an advisor is neither to push nor to pull, but to support and guide the student who is conducting the investigation. Advisor responsibilities include specific duties such as proposal review, project supervision, and input to the final grade and determination of academic credit, as well as general duties that facilitate a successful environment for the investigation.
Meet with the Advisor
It is the student's duty to meet regularly (usually every week) with the advisor during all stages of the investigation. The student will document each of these meetings in the investigation journal. Throughout all stages of the investigation, the student is expected to be proactive in providing required forms to the advisor for review and signatures as needed.
During the critical early planning stages, student discussions and consultations with the advisor are essential to successfully launch the investigation. At the first meeting, safety considerations are addressed and proposal development begins in earnest.
After the proposal is complete and approved, the investigation begins. During the ongoing investigation, the advisor's counsel will be invaluable to keeping the investigation focused and on track. During the later stages of the investigation, student discussion with the advisor will help ensure a meaningful final report and successful sharing of results.
Be proactive and responsive to the Advisor
By being open and responsive to advisor guidance, critique, and feedback, the student may gain additional insights and perspectives that can improve investigation results and deepen the collaborative experience.