Research & Communication
Requirements
Reply/RSVP to emails, invitations, and event announcements from DREAM/CIMR staff within two business days. Based on the time of email delivery and in accordance with the Portland State University calendar
Inform RLC of short and long term absences. Also, inform DREAM about long-term absences.
Submitting an RLC agreement at the start of each term.
Setting Parameters & Goals: The RLC Agreement
The Trainee-RLC agreement aims to assist you and your Research Mentor in discussing & documenting mutually agreed-upon goals and parameters.
This will serve as the foundation of the Trainee-RLC relationship.
You will fill this out with your RLC mentor as you work together to develop a research plan with attainable goals
Items that will be addressed include:
Expectations (conduct, dress code, scheduling changes)
Goals (research skills, career mentoring, etc.)
Attendance (days/times in the RLC)
Evaluation of relationship effectiveness (review of outcomes/accomplishments)
Information & Submission
You will get more information about the agreement in Induction. For summer you will submit the agreement in canvas. For the academic year, you will submit it via google form.
is not the Scholar Agreement, which is an agreement between Trainees and EXITO.
2023-2024 Academic Year CIMR Trainee RLC Agreement_Version 3_PDF.pdfProfessional Communication & Your RLC
Professional Communication is an important part of being a DREAM Trainee and will help you feel more comfortable with and get the most out of your research experience.
Prompt, clear communication is essential. Check your pdx.edu email frequently. If you are in an OHSU RLC, check your OHSU email frequently
Please reply to your RLC promptly if they reach out to you.
Some examples of important communication with your RLC include letting them know of:
Any time off you need (last minute call outs, finals, breaks, personal issues, sick time)
Any barriers to completing your assigned tasks (unclear instructions, difficulties with a colleague, access to resources, etc.).
The Scholar-RLC agreement (below) has additional guidelines and tips for maintaining professional communication with your RLC and the BUILD-EXITO team.
Our goal is for you to feel supported in your RLC setting. See the "We're Here to Support You" section of this site.
Tips and Suggestions
Research and Other Tips
Get to know researchers and grad students in your lab early - what their roles are, how your work will intersect with theirs
Let your Research Mentor what research skills you want to learn OR what skills would benefit your career and academic plans.
Goals you have for your time in the RLC (skills to learn, inclusion in publications, independent projects, etc.)
On that topic, let them know your academic and career plans. Ask about their pathway. Ask members of your Research Team
Participate in a broad range of University (PSU and OHSU) events
Getting the most from your relationship with your mentor and RLC
Determine what is important to you!
Mentorship
Professional Development
Networking
Skill Building
Research Interests
What do you want to contribute to your RLC?
A relationship is a two-way street! What your mentors gain:
Professional development as an instructor and mentor
Research collaboration with students (RLC)
Intellectual collaboration
How important is professional development in your RLC placement?
Science opportunities: participate in research panels, job shadow, enrichment workshops, mentoring
Science identity: develop a portfolio, resume, CV
Education and career: benefit from the experiences of your community to achieve career goals (graduate school, job placement, etc.)
How important is networking in your RLC placement?
With every new professional relationship you open the door to possible
Letters of reference
Research collaborations
A new bank of personal experiences from which to learn
A new secondary network of connections