Research Mentor Training: CIMER @ UWL

UWL is proud to be offering CIMER (Center for Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research) training to instructors serving as undergraduate or graduate research mentors and wishing to further develop skills needed to serve in this mentoring role. This training is sponsored by the Provost Office, CATL, Graduate and Extended Learning, and Research and Sponsored Programs.

The training includes two levels and each take 4 hours to complete. Level 1 is a training that focuses on maintaining effective communication, aligning expectations, reflecting on diversity, and establishing a practice of inclusion with mentoring relationships. Level 2 is a training that expands on the material from Level 1 and promoting the professional development of mentees.

Both trainings are in-person and discussion based. They focus on learning content and then applying that content to selected case studies and experiences of participants. The overall goal is to help solve mentoring dilemmas with the help of peers.

This training is offered at UWL in partnership between the Provost Office, CATL, Graduate and Extended Learning, and Research and Sponsored Programs.. Funding for this pilot year is provided by the Universities of Wisconsin Next Generation High-Impact Practices (HIPs) Planning Grant. There is no guarantee that funding will be available for stipends in future years.

Dates

Level 1 training – Friday, January 23, 2026 from 8:30am-12:30pm (coffee/tea and breakfast refreshments provided)

Level 2 training – Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 8:30am-12:30pm (coffee/tea and breakfast refreshments provided)

Goals of the Training

Learn about other mentors in the group to begin building a learning community
Design and communicate clear goals for the research project and mentee
Define how to clearly communicate expectations for the mentoring relationship
Develop a strategy for guiding professional development
Connect with CATL, GEL, and ORSP supports to assist with research mentoring efforts

Eligibility & Stipend

Although welcome, no background or prior experience with the mentoring student researchers is required.

Eligibility: Tenure-track and IAS faculty with at least 50% FTE during the 25/26 Academic Year and serving in a research mentoring role (current or future) are invited to apply.
Stipend: A $250 stipend will be awarded in recognition of successful completion of both Level 1 and Level 2 training, plus delivery of final materials.
Badge: A badge will be awarded when both Level 1 and Level 2 CIMER trainings are completed and a wrap-up survey is completed.

Notes:

You can apply to attend just Level 1 but both levels are required to receive the stipend and badge. Please select on your application if you are only intending to complete Level 1; priority will be given to applicants interested in Level 1 and Level 2.
Funding for AY24/25 and AY25/26 is provided by the Universities of Wisconsin Next Generation High-Impact Practices (HIPs) Planning Grant. There is no guarantee that funding will be available for stipends in future years.
Enrollment is capped at 24 participants.

Selection Criteria

Acknowledge and agree to the schedule and workload
Articulation of ideas related to transferring course materials or activities between modalities
Expressed motivation to make changes
Desire to work collaboratively at teaching improvement with colleagues across campus