The University of New Mexico

“What sets MMUF apart is the way it illuminates the connection between diversity and academic excellence; the importance it places on mentoring relationships; its injunction to students to build supportive networks; the positive functions of the cohort; the disposition to collaborate as well as compete; and the obligation to pay these benefits forward to the next generation of young scholars.”

~ Armando Bengochea, MMUF Director, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

MMUF Seminar

2025 Fall Schedule

- Regular Seminars: Fridays 2:00- 3:15 pm @ Honors College Classroom 1040

 

August 22: Welcome Back!

We will do some icebreakers, discuss our summer research and personal experiences, and discuss the fall semester of MMUF. You will work on a mini-report of your summer research.

Homework: Email your summer research report

August 29: So You Want to Be a College Professor…

We will discuss a shift in language, from “Pathway to the Professoriate” to “Pathway to the Doctorate.” We’ll talk about the “Hot Tips” sheet and touch on:

  • Vocabulary of the professoriate
  • What career paths your degree unlocks

September 5: Annotated Bibliographies

This semester junior fellows will work on creating an annotated bibliography for your project. We will learn how to write an annotated bibliography in this workshop. The annotated bibliographies for junior fellows are due at the end of the semester.

September 12: Literature Reviews

This semester senior fellows will work on creating a literature review for your project. We will learn how to write a literature review in this workshop. Your lit review is due at the end of the semester.

September 19: Abstract Writing

We will cover writing abstracts for research that is complete, incomplete, and planned for the future.

Due: MMUF abstract by TBD

September 26: Grad School Grid: How to Prepare for Grad School Applications

We will discuss how to make a grad school matrix and how to locate the information that should ideally go on it. We will have a conversation around disciplines and why disciplines matter and how to talk about a program when you’re writing to programs you don’t know much about.

October 3: Writing Personal Statements and Cover Letters

We will review all the elements of exceptional personal statements and cover letters, including successful ones from our former fellows.

Due: SENIOR FELLOWS REQUIRED! JUNIOR FELLOWS OPTIONAL! Personal Statement due by November 21

October 10: FALL BREAK—NO SEMINAR

October 17: Effective Conference Presentations

We will discuss presentation design for oral presentations and posters as well as how to effectively participate in roundtable discussions.

October 24: Writing Your CV

We will discuss the elements of a CV, and you will spend the workshop working on your own CV with the opportunity to ask questions as you work.

October 31: Presentation Practice for Conference

Senior fellows will practice their presentations. Using a feedback sheet and discussion, everyone will provide feedback. El Puente fellows will be joining us.

November 6-9: MMUF Regional Conference hosted by Stanford University

We depart to California on Thursday, November 6th. The conference will take place Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th. We will return Sunday, November 9th. Please let your professors know SINCE NOW that you will be missing class on Thursday and Friday. If you need a letter from Jesse asking for your absence to be excused for this school-sponsored activity, please let us know.

November 14: Conference De-Brief

We usually need a whole seminar period to debrief from the conference trip!

November 21: Study Hall

We will use this day to catch up on any outstanding work for classes or work on finals. This period is mandatory—don’t skip it.

November 28: NO SEMINAR

December 5: Last meeting— Planning for Spring

We will discuss the plan for the spring seminar with Dr. Lechuga.