The UNL McNair Scholars Program is structured to support talented, highly motivated students as they strive to achieve their educational goals, provide scholars with a foundation for graduate school, and create a "pipeline" of talented, dedicated, and prepared future researchers and faculty. During the academic year, seminars are focused on developing important research skills and preparing students to apply for graduate school. Scholars engage with others through monthly seminars, group meetings, and various cultural events.
- Junior Scholars seminars & scholarly activities: introduce the fundamentals of research and preparation for the McNair Summer Research Experience. The summer seminars focus on writing an academic research paper, preparing for conference presentations, preparing for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), writing a statement of purpose and curriculum vitae, and developing a list of potential graduate programs.
- Non-graduating Senior Scholar seminars & scholarly activities: focus on identifying and applying for summer research programs, applying for fellowships, networking at conferences, and developing effective leadership skills.
- Graduating Scholar seminars & scholarly activities: focus on organizing graduate application portfolios and recommender packets, applying for fellowships, preparing for graduate school visits, selecting a graduate school, and making the transition to graduate school.