Group of students

Grad Rebel Advantage Program

The Grad Rebel Advantage program provides annual cohorts of UNLV undergraduate students with mentorship, workshops, and professional development opportunities designed to build their base of knowledge about educational options after the bachelor’s degree and prepare them for graduate study. The program has selected 100 students to participate in the inaugural cohort in academic year 2018-2019, and 100 undergraduates per year after that. Each Grad Rebel Advantage participant will be expected to participate in a number of workshops and activities throughout the year, and they will each receive a $600 scholarship to help pay for the time that they spend in the program and reward their full participation. The Grad Rebel Advantage Program will help prepare UNLV undergraduate student participants for graduate studies, whether at UNLV or elsewhere.

Congratulations to our 2018-2019 Grad Rebel Advantage Program Cohort

Meet the 2018-2019 Undergraduate Students Meet the 2018-2019 Mentors

Program Benefits

  • Special workshops, events, activities, and mentorship to prepare undergraduates for possible future graduate study
  • The opportunity to enroll in graduate-level courses (for students with at least a 3.00 GPA) either for undergraduate credit or to hold for future graduate credit
  • The opportunity to complete the Graduate College Research Certification after you have fulfilled all Grad Rebel Advantage Program requirements
  • $600 Grad Rebel Advantage scholarship for participants who fulfill all program requirements. ($300 will be dispersed after the Fall semester to all participants that complete the first half of the year-long program requirements; if Fall semester requirements are not met, students can continue in the program for Spring, but, then would only be eligible for the $300 in Spring.)
  • Honor cord that may be worn at commencement to signify status as a Grad Rebel Advantage program graduate
  • A Grad Rebel Advantage T-shirt
  • Opening and closing events with meals
  • Gain valuable skills associated with mentorship
  • Receive $250 stipend each semester (pending funding approval)

Eligibility Requirements

This program is open to current UNLV undergraduate students who:

  • Are enrolled full-time (minimum 12 credits per semester) during their Grad Rebel Advantage year
  • Are in good standing with the University
  • Have completed 60 or more credit hours at the time that they apply to the program
  • Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75
  • Have the endorsement of a full-time faculty member or academic advisor

Admissions

Acceptance in the Grad Rebel Advantage Program is competitive. Complete applications, including a faculty/advisor endorsement, must be submitted by June 15, 2019. Decision letters will be sent to your RebelMail by July 1, 2019.

Program Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum 2.75 overall GPA throughout participation in the program. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.

Students will have two semesters to complete the following program requirements:

Note that requirements used to fulfill one category may not be used toward another.

Students must complete workshops for each semester. Please note that the number of workshops for each requirement must be completed in that semester (i.e. 2 workshops in Fall and 2 workshops in Spring, you cannot do 3 workshops in Fall and 1 in Spring or any other combinations).

Disclaimer: While new requirements will not be added, the names of some of the workshops and offerings may change and a schedule will be posted by Aug. 1.

Required Steps

Mid-program Progress Form

Before winter break in December, Grad Rebel Advantage students will submit a mid-program progress form by Dec. 7 showing they have completed all fall requirements. Forms can be submitted to FDH 352 or via email to GradRebelAdvantage@unlv.edu. On approval of the form, students will be eligible to receive the first half of their scholarship.

Program Completion Form

Grad Rebel Advantage students must submit a program completion form by Wednesday, May 1st 2019 to earn their spring scholarship and Grad Rebel Advantage honor cord. In addition to completing all of the requirements for the program, students must be in good standing, enrolled full-time, and have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Students must complete the program in the academic year they are admitted, unless approved otherwise due to an approved university leave of absence.

Please use the Completion Workshop Form to keep track of your progress. You will be emailed a survey link to input your completion report in April.

Grad Rebel Advantage Mentors

Eligibility Requirements

  • Have completed at least one year of graduate studies at UNLV by program start date
  • Be enrolled in at least 3 graduate credits while serving as a mentor in both fall and spring semesters
  • Be in good academic standing in a graduate degree program

Application

  • Please complete the application in full by Saturday, June 15, 2019. Applications must be submitted to the Graduate College Front Office (FDH #352).

Program Requirements

  • Attend & participate in the Grad Rebel Advantage Program kick-off on Friday, September 6, 2019 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Advise a cohort of 8-15 undergraduate students accepted to the program (send students emails regarding graduate education & the program, answer their questions, etc.)
  • Host one cohort meeting in the fall semester & one in the spring semester with the undergraduate students

Program Co-Sponsors and Partners

This program is a collaborative effort between the Graduate College and a number of campus co-sponsors and partners. Co-sponsors include: Academic Advising, Financial Aid & Scholarships, and Student Engagement & Diversity. Partners include: Office of Undergraduate Research, Academic Success Center, Center for Academic Enrichment & Outreach, Graduate & Professional Student Association, Office of Community Engagement, The Intersection, University Libraries, and UNLV Writing Center.

Camisha Fagan and other participants of the 2018-19 Grad Rebel Advantage Program

"For me, the application process for graduate school was exhausting, and imposter syndrome hit me at every turn. But it's also a growing process. I learned that I have to be my #1 fan at the end of the day. It also helped to stay connected to loved ones and friends (if you're able to) as they help keep you grounded throughout the process. It's a lot of work: mentally, emotionally, financially. Make sure to exhaust all resources available on campus. The Grad Rebel Advantage program was one resource that helped tremendously. This process isn't easy, but it will be worth it in the end."

Camisha Fagan, 2018-19 Grad Rebel Advantage participant