Jackson Scholars Program
Directors: Dr. Mary Poteet (mpoteet@jsg.utexas.edu)
The Jackson Scholars Program is a learning and engagement initiative designed to foster and recognize achievement in scientific and community leadership. A primary goal of the program is to develop scholars who are defined not solely by classroom performance but also by enhancing their university experience through engagement in student-tailored combinations of geoscience-related scholarship, outreach and service. Students who complete the Jackson Scholars Program will develop leadership, professional and community service skills, a diverse portfolio of accomplishments to present to prospective employers, and receive special acknowledgement at graduation.
Admission
Admission to the Jackson Scholars program is by application. Applications are only accepted in the fall semester and are due by September 15th.
First and second year students in the Jackson School of Geosciences are encouraged to apply, with rare exceptions made for 3rd year students. For questions contact Dr. Mary Poteet (mpoteet@jsg.utexas.edu).
General Requirements
Each Jackson Scholar must complete three of the five experiences that are described under the Scholarship and Service categories. These experiences will be documented in a professional e-portfolio curated by each Jackson Scholar, describing and reflecting on their academic and professional experiences in the Jackson School. This portfolio will be useful for documenting educational skills and successes to future employers as part of professional development. In most cases, the experiences must be completed after admission to the program. Students will set goals each semester for making progress on the tasks. Remaining in the program (and eligibility to participate in program benefits such as field trips) requires active engagement in the program, enrollment in the Jackson Scholar seminar – GEO 135J, regular attendance at program meetings, and demonstrable progress towards Jackson Scholar activities each semester.
In order to graduate with special recognition as a Jackson Scholar, a student must also remain in good standing, be continuously enrolled in a JSG degree program for a minimum of 12 hours each semester, and achieve a final minimum overall UT GPA of 3.0 as well as a final minimum GPA of 3.0 within the major.
Scholarship Categories
Undergraduate Research
The research option involves organized experimental, empirical, and/or theoretical scientific research, supervised by a faculty member or research scientist in the JSG, or as approved by the Jackson Scholars directors. The research must culminate in a written report or publication approved by the research supervisor and Jackson Scholar program directors. The research project is to be carried out over a minimum of two long semesters, and must include a defined research question, a brief proposal, and a final written research report. The student must register for GEO 379K or 371C for at least one semester during the research project. The format of the project report is open, but cooperatively determined by the student and supervisor.
Study Abroad
A study abroad program is a challenging and rewarding experience that broadens perspectives and enhances understanding of global challenge. Jackson Scholars may include a Study Abroad experience in their portfolio via one of two options.
- Option 1. Students may participate in one of the UT-recognized study abroad programs for a full semester, and be enrolled at the host university. Courses taken at the host university must be for credit, with a grade of C or better, and the course credit must be recognized either by direct course equivalency or as GEO 391S or 392S.
- Option 2. Students may participate in two UT-recognized Maymester courses for which the entire course is spent abroad (outside of the United States). Maymester courses must be taken for credit, with a grade of C or better.
Work Experience in the Geosciences
Internships are a valuable way to explore career opportunities, gain hands-on work experience, and establish connections with employers. To count toward Jackson Scholar recognition, an internship must be for a minimum of both summer sessions or one long semester (minimum of 11 weeks) in a supervised internship program. At the conclusion of the internship the student must prepare a report of accomplishments and advances made during the internship and secure a letter of evaluation from the internship supervisor for inclusion in the student portfolio.
Service Categories
Governance and Leadership
In addition, to fulfill the Governance and Leadership requirement, students are expected to participate in a leadership training workshop or short course (e.g., Project Advance Austin, Coach UT, Leadershape Institute, or significant programming through Texas Leadership Education and Development, or others approved by the Jackson Scholars program directors). Plan/prepare/apply for these programs early since they all require registration well in advance of participation.
Community Service
Active participation in service to local communities is recognized as an important avenue of engagement for Jackson Scholars. A range of community engagement avenues exist within the Jackson School, including mentoring in GeoForce, outreach to k-12 students, outreach to community college students, and other mentoring and outreach opportunities. Community service could also take many other forms unrelated to geoscience and UT, including volunteer EMS, community hotlines, or volunteering in schools or hospitals. Additional volunteer opportunities are available through UT Volunteerism and Service-Learning. Community Service is intended to reflect a significant commitment on the part of the student, for at least one academic year. Supporting material for the portfolio could include a supporting letter from the governing board of the organization, flyers of posters announcing events organized by the student, photos or videos documenting events and activities, and/or comparable materials that document active, committed, long-term involvement in community service.