McNair Application Process

Instructions are included in the application packet; however, after reviewing the forms in the downloaded application packet and completing the Step One Form, students considering applying to the program are encouraged to contact the McNair Office through email (mcnair@sou.edu) to review the program eligibility criteria on the completed Step One Form prior to initiating the entire application process which includes: completion of a program application form and supplying requested information, writing a series of statements in responce to specific questions, creating a curriculum vitae (CV) by using the template provided through the link available on this application page, and completion of request for recommendation forms and receiving letters of recommendation from two faculty members.

All applicants must print out their application (single-sided), complete all sections of it (in blue or black ink), and either physically mail the application documents to the SOU McNair Program at 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland OR, 97520-5062, AND email the McNair Program (mcnair@sou.edu) informing the program you have submitted an application OR turn in all application materials in the McNair Office (521 South Mountain Avenue (lower level), Ashland. All applications must be postmarked no later than the posted application due date. Applications can also be dropped off in person at the McNair office at: 521 S. Mountain St. (lower level). If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact the McNair Program.
McNair cohort applications are accepted during fall and spring terms.

FALL TERM APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM SEPTEMBER 30 UNTIL DECEMBER 6, 2024

• DOWNLOAD THE McNAIR APPLICATION HERE DURING OPEN APPLICATION PERIODS
• Letter of Recommendation form
• Verification of Income form
• CV template can be found here.
• CV template instructions can be found here.

Students who are eligible for participation in the SOU Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program must meet federally defined eligibility criteria which include:

• Are enrolled undergraduate students at SOU and have never received a baccalaureate degree
• Are Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors
• Plan to be an enrolled SOU undergraduate student at least through Fall term of the cohort year (ie: For the 2025 Cohort enrolled through December 2025)
• Have demonstrated strong academic potential (Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher)
• Regulation 34 CFR 647.3 (a) (1-5) states that the McNair Program Citizenship and/or Residency eligibility requirements are as follows:
  (a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or
  (2) Is a permanent resident of the United States; or
  (3) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident; or
  (4) Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; or
  (5) Is a resident of one of the Freely Associated States.
• Meet one of the two eligibility categories (A or B) or both eligibility categories listed below (A and B):

1. A. Are first-generation college graduates (a student neither of whose natural or adoptive parents received a baccalaureate degree or a student who, prior to the age of 18, regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, and whose supporting parent did not receive a baccalaureate degree) AND who are low-income individuals (an individual whose family’s taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount). Department of Education Low-Income Guidelines
2. B. Who are studentsfrom groups traditionally underrepresented in graduate education(Hispanic/Latino; Black/African American; American Indian/Native American; Alaskan Native; Native Hawaiian; Pacific Islander). Note: Students from category B do not have to meet eligibility category A (so, do not have to also be first generation college students or low-income individuals).

NOTES:

• Qualified applicants will be invited for an interview with the SOU Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program Advisory Council during the term in which they applied. Applicants will be notified of the selection decisions by the end of the term in which they applied.
• Applicants who are selected to be McNair Scholars will be required to provide official transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended and may be required to provide copies of income tax forms to verify eligibility.

• If you have specific questions regarding the SOU McNair Program application process email mcnair@sou.edu.

• All applicants must print out their application (single-sided), complete all sections of it (in blue or black ink), and either physically mail the application documents to the SOU McNair Program at 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland OR, 97520-5062, AND email the McNair Program (mcnair@sou.edu) informing the program you have submitted an application OR turn in all application materials in the McNair Office (521 South Mountain Avenue (lower level), Ashland NO LATER THAN 5 PM on the due date of December 6, 2024. All applications must be postmarked no later than the posted application due date. Applications can also be dropped off in person at the McNair office at: 521 S. Mountain St. (lower level). If you have any questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact the McNair Program.