Interested in the G21? Go to https://www.glendon.yorku.ca/research/g21/ for more information
Welcome to Glendon’s Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP)!
Through our unique program, you’ll get valuable mentorship from a faculty member, develop skills in conducting research, explore your interests, and receive an award of $1,500.
If selected, you’ll spend two terms conducting research under the supervision of a faculty member, connect with other like-minded students, faculty, and alumni through monthly development workshops, and attend networking sessions.
You’ll spend up to 5 hours per week doing apprenticeship-related work.
TIMELINE
- May 26, 2023 – RAP applications open
- June 26 – Deadline to apply to the RAP
- August 1st –Mentor/Apprentice match is released
The RAP officially begins in the Fall term. You’ll commence research alongside your mentor in September 2023 and complete your assistantship in April 2024.
What are the benefits of being selected as a RAP Student?
$1,500 award, half of which ($750) is paid at the end of the fall term, with the final half ($750) being disbursed at the end of the winter term.
Exclusive monthly workshops that encourage academic and personal development. Examples include:
- navigating the York University OMNI library system
- evaluating scholarly sources
- achieving academic success as an undergraduate student
- time management
- exploring career opportunities in research
- achieving your full academic potential
- maintaining resilience in academic environments
Networking opportunities with Glendon faculty and alumni, to build your network and gain additional knowledge about you research, career, and personal development.
Graduate school applications are facilitated. You can obtain references for graduate school from your mentor professors, develop strong research skills and showcase your passion for academia through your participation.
Gain transferable skills for academic success, or for a resume/CV
- Learn to conduct library-based research, condense information, identify reputable sources for information, and analyze texts.
- Develop research expertise and gain communication, organization, problem-solving, and time management skills.
Eligibility Criteria
- All first year Top Scholars are eligible to apply.
- If you have completed your first year of studies and are enrolled full time in a program at Glendon, you can also apply.
- Some projects may require specific skills (e.g., language skills, WordPress and Adobe Photoshop)
- Your curiosity, academic record, learning potential, and educational goals are all taken into account
Application Process
- Explore the list of available professors and projects using the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1w4a-6ZoQMd_lgosc0T61o0M33uBqtzMroQpPhactZSw/edit?usp=sharing
- Fill out and submit the application form no later than June 26th.
Timeline
- May 26, 2023 – RAP applications open
- June 26 – Deadline to apply to the RAP
- August 1st –Mentor/Apprentice match is released
- The RAP officially begins in the Fall term. You’ll commence research alongside your mentor in September 2023 and complete your assistantship in April 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Research Apprenticeship Program
Frequently Asked Questions About the Research Apprenticeship Program
What is the Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?
The Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a tight-knit research cohort wherein Glendon students are paid to conduct research alongside a faculty member, while being connected with other like-minded students, faculty, and alumni through monthly development workshops, and networking sessions.
How much time are students expected to spend on the RAP?
Selected students are expected to spend 5 hours each week working for their RAP supervisor and engaging in the program through workshops, events, and online discussion posts. RAP administrators will regularly confirm that students are fulfilling this time commitment with their supervisors.
How can I apply for the RAP?
Students can apply using the form here.
When is the deadline to apply for the RAP?
The deadline for the RAP is June 26th 2023.
What are some tips for submitting a strong application for the RAP?
Prospective applicants must clearly read and understand the project description and application questions to demonstrate that they possess the relevant skills to work alongside their desired mentor. It is also important to note that the selection committee values diverse experiences – thus, applicants are encouraged to outline skills that they have acquired from both inside and outside of the classroom (remember that all experience is good experience!). While working on a RAP application, it can be additionally helpful to reflect on why this research experience could be meaningful and useful. Of course, students are further recommended to have their applications revised prior to submission, ensuring that they are concise, clear, free from grammatical errors, and do not exceed the word limit.
Can upper-year students apply for the RAP?
YES, you can apply to the “Current Students” stream of the RAP regardless of your year of undergraduate study. This year, spots are limited in the RAP. However, if you are in your third year or higher, the Research and Innovation Office encourages students to stretch their research muscles and consider pursuing their own individual research “passion project” under the supervision of a faculty member through the G21 course, for which you will receive academic credit.
Can students apply for the RAP if they will be going on exchange next year?
YES, in 2023-2024, students who will be on exchange during the upcoming academic year can apply for the RAP, as long as their supervisor agrees.
Can international students apply for the RAP?
YES, international students are eligible to apply for the RAP.
Do I need to have a specific average to apply for the RAP?
NO, you do not need to possess a specific average to apply for the RAP. Your grades will be taken into consideration during the application process, but they are not the ultimate deciding factor.
What level of French-English bilingualism do I need to participate in the RAP?
The level of French-English bilingualism required to participate in the RAP varies depending on the research professors are conducting. In some cases, students will be required to have advanced abilities in French (or perhaps other languages). All students will have the opportunity to improve their language comprehension skills through the bilingual workshops. To review the language requirements for professors’ research projects, please review the list of proposed projects closely.
Is it possible to pursue the RAP and a Work/Study position at the same time?
YES, you can pursue the RAP and a Work/Study position simultaneously. However, prospective applicants are encouraged to be mindful of their ability to commit to the 5 hours/week of work required of RAP Students.
Do students need to pursue the RAP during the entire academic year (eight months), or can they just do it for one semester (four months)?
YES, students must pursue the RAP during the entire academic year (eight months). Students are awarded the $1,500 award based on a full year of participation in the program. One semester is not enough time to significantly contribute to a professor’s research project.
Can students work with a professor at the Keele Campus?
NO, students must choose from the list of available RAP Glendon faculty members (link here).
What if none of the research interests and available projects led by the professors on the list align with those of the student?
If you are not interested in any of the research projects outlined in the list of available faculty mentors (link here), you may also consider pursuing your own independent “passion project” through the G21 course, where you will be enrolled in a 3.00 credit course and will work on a proposed research project of your choice under the supervision of a faculty member. , and here to read more about the G21 course.
What exactly is the research and who will it be for?
The contribution of students to a professor’s research project depends on the time and effort you can devote to the program. The work you do as part of your assistantship will contribute to the completion of a professor’s research project.
What research skills and experiences do students need to be successful in the RAP?
- Time management must be exercised by RAP Students. Pursuing an undergraduate degree can be challenging, as students are expected to simultaneously juggle multiple deadlines, tasks, assignments, extracurriculars, and their personal commitments. As such, it is important to understand the time commitment required of all RAP students (5 hours per week) and ensure that applicants can adhere to this obligation. To assist students in developing effective time management skills, a workshop on productivity and efficiency is also held each year for RAP members.
- Communication is key for success in the RAP. Failing to communicate with one’s mentor is unacceptable and can risk a student’s participation in the program. Accordingly, students are encouraged to maintain a sense of openness and honesty with their mentor professor and the RAP coordinator, letting them know about their progress on assigned tasks.
- Ultimately, the skills required of RAP Students vary depending on the research project and professor mentor. However, since the RAP wants to assist students in developing their research skills, prospective RAP Students can reflect about which skills they want to develop in the program and are encouraged to discuss these goals with their mentor professors.
Student Testimonials
“I have learned so much from the program and the transferable skills I’ve gained have already benefitted me in other areas of my life. The RAP has been an incredible learning experience and I’d love to [continue to] take part in the RAP again. The mentorship I received was extremely helpful, I’ve had an incredible experience learning from my professor and the skills I have gained can be easily transferred to other areas of my life. I also love that I feel supported by others in the RAP and enjoy learning about strategies they use to manage their work.”
“I think the part of RAP that I have most benefitted from is learning from my mentor and having the opportunity to learn what goes on “behind the scenes” during the research process. I’ve picked up skills that I hadn’t even considered the benefits of until I picked them up. In editing some of my mentor’s work, I’ve had the opportunity to refine my own. I’ve also really appreciated the networking opportunity RAP provides–through my mentor, I had the chance to talk with older students/alums about their experiences in programs like the RAP and even their work as TAs. It’s been really nice to have the experience of others available to me as I navigate my own path in the research field.”
“Participating in the RAP has given me many valuable experiences in the world of academia beyond what one gets from pursuing their studies in a classroom setting. For example, this program has allowed me to see both sides of the research process as I was able to see the final stages of publication as well as assist in beginning our own new research initiative. I have been able to connect with many people both at Glendon and from around the world and also had the chance to collaborate and work with a variety of other groups and organizations on campus. Overall, my involvement with the RAP has been very rewarding and has given me the opportunity to pursue other areas of interest outside the scope of my major.”