Gopher Grad
Mission Statement:
Originally initiated to serve first-generation, income-eligible, and traditionally underrepresented students in higher education, Gopher Grad: Bridge to Graduate School & Beyond builds on the foundation established by the TRIO McNair Scholars Program. It expands its mission by preserving this focus while also introducing parallel programming accessible to all students at the University of Minnesota.
This initiative seeks to promote and engage students in undergraduate research as a transformative experience in its own right while illuminating pathways to advanced studies. By complementing existing resources and addressing critical gaps, Gopher Grad unites efforts across traditional boundaries—undergraduate and graduate education, student services, academic affairs, STEM, and non-STEM disciplines—to create a seamless bridge of continuity and support for scholars.
We aim to raise awareness of the lifelong benefits of undergraduate research while keeping graduate and professional degree options on students' radars. Gopher Grad prepares participants for advanced studies, professional excellence, and meaningful contributions to their fields and society, ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all. While serving the University of Minnesota System Schools, Gopher Grad also welcomes and supports individuals from any Minnesota College and University who are exploring graduate or professional studies at the University of Minnesota.
The Gopher Grad initiative aligns closely with CEHD’s First Gen Institute, led by Dr. Rashne’ Jehangir, as well as the broader CEHD and University of Minnesota Educational Opportunity Programs initiatives.
Programming for undergraduate and prospective graduate students
- Engages students statewide, including transfer and UM System students, through synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
- Delivers tailored guidance to help prospective graduate students explore opportunities, with a focus on pathways at the University of Minnesota.
- Equips students with tools and strategies to foster productive relationships with mentors, addressing the critical issue that 90% of problems between graduate students and advisers stem from communication challenges.
- Leverages best practices from the University of Minnesota McNair Curriculum, ensuring students develop skills that enhance mentoring relationships and support their success during their undergraduate journeys.
If you’re an undergraduate student interested in attending Gopher Grad Workshops, please visit our Canvas page to find current information on upcoming and previously recorded workshops.
Faculty and staff engagement
- Provides workshops and resources to equip faculty and staff to promote undergraduate research and support graduate education.
- Facilitates collaboration to share best practices and align efforts with institutional goals.
- Encourages faculty and staff to strengthen mentoring frameworks, enhancing adviser-student dynamics and fostering student success.
Transition support (“Bridge Back” programming)
- Offers guidance for students navigating gap years, including application support, funding strategies, and academic readiness.
- Ensures continuity through targeted touchpoints and resources, complementing Graduate School admissions.
- Builds confidence and readiness for students transitioning to graduate programs, fostering academic and professional success.
Bridge brack programming will be coming soon.
Affinity groups
- Creates communities for students interested in undergraduate research and graduate school preparation.
- Fosters mentorship and peer-to-peer networks to strengthen support systems.
- Promotes inclusivity and belonging by connecting students with shared goals and experiences, fostering a culture of mutual growth and encouragement.
Affinity programming will be coming soon.
Steering committee
The efforts described above are led by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities’ TRIO McNair Scholars program in partnership with a Steering Committee which includes representatives across campus:
- Anthony Albecker | Director, TRIO McNair Scholars Program
- Rashné Jehangir, Ph.D. | Assistant Dean for Education Opportunity Programs; Director, First-Gen Institute
- Kayla Cory, M.A. | Advisor, TRIO McNair Scholars Program
- Consuelo Gutierrez-Crosby | Director, TRIO SSS
- Padah Vang | Assistant Director, TRIO SSS
- Tai Do | Minnesota Department of Education & CEHD’s First-Gen Institute
- Tammy McNish | Assistant Director, The Graduate School Diversity Outreach & Recruitment
- Kim Clarke | Librarian, University of Minnesota
- Meghan Lafferty | Librarian, University of Minnesota
- Terra Brister | Assistant Director of Holistic Student Support, MCAE
- Simone Gbolo, M.A., M.Ed. | Director, LS-NSSA
- Liz Hitch | Site Coordinator, LS-NSSA