Student Partners Program
Applications are now open.
- Please use this form to submit your application to work as a student partner for the Fall 2022-Winter 2023 terms.
- Applications are due July 22nd, 2022
We’re interested in working with a wide variety of students with a range of backgrounds and experiences, including members of equity seeking groups. Please review the project descriptions (attached here), identify up to 3 projects of interest, and to apply using this application form (no cover letter or CV/resumé needed). Please note, you must be signed into your McMaster account to access the project descriptions and application form. Applications are due by July 22nd at 11:59 p.m. (EST).
We will be hosting an open forum where you can ask questions to staff and current student partners, as well as some partners who are looking to hire students (please note not all hiring partners will be attending the forum), on Tuesday, July 19th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (EST) over Zoom. You can also email us with any questions.
Key Dates for Fall & Winter 2022/23
- Call Call for projects: May 2 – 27
- Review of projects: May 31 – June 17
- Notified if project is successful: July 5
- Call for students: July 5 – 22
- Students notified by: August 26
- Fall/Winter 2022/23 Projects begin: September 6
Overview
The Student Partners Program (SPP) provides undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to participate as partners with faculty, instructors and staff on projects that contribute to the enhancement of teaching and learning at McMaster.
The SSP was developed in 2013 in collaboration with the Arts & Science program. Since then the MacPherson Institute has engaged with students who are interested in pedagogical research and innovation by providing opportunities to contribute to activities such as: design and development of new courses, creation of resources for faculty and students, and collaboration with staff and faculty partners on research projects related to teaching and learning.
Several students have also co-authored research articles and conference presentations related to their work, co-facilitated at our International Institute on Students as Partners, or served as reviewers or co-editors for the International Journal for Students as Partners, which is housed at McMaster.
Funding
The Student Partner’s Program operates on an award-based model. Funds awarded and distributed up to a maximum of $2000 per project (to fund Student Partner hours). Project funds are transferred to the project lead and are held in departmental accounts.
Hiring
Student hiring is completed by the faculty/staff partner’s department. Student Partners are hired two times a year—typically in May and September.
Call for submissions
The MacPherson Institute continues to issue Calls for Projects, review submissions against SPP criteria and advertise projects to students.
Information Box Group
Interested in Getting Involved? Learn More
For more information about becoming involved, please see the Student Partners Program Guidebook.
Engaging Students as Partners in Learning and Teaching Watch Video
Peter Felten discusses the importance of student engagement in learning.
"Students as Partners" Watch Video
A video featuring Mick Healey, The Humboldt Distinguished Scholar in Research Based Learning.
Student Partners Program Network Events
The MacPherson institute has expanded its program of events to support students and faculty who are engaged in partnership work across campus. The program continues to offer specific support to projects funded through the Student Partners Program, such as research skills, project meetings, and an annual symposium. Through the expanded program, MacPherson will be offering events to the wider McMaster community who have an interest in the research and practice of partnerships in teaching and learning. New events will include journal groups to discuss the scholarship of partnership, project development workshops, an expert speaker series, and support for publishing work in this area.