Why use LINCATS-Connect?
LINCATS-Connect is a web-based platform that connects mentors with applicants in a clear and equitable way. It is not obvious where to find positions, who to contact, and how to make it happen. This platform allows research mentors to advertise positions to the environment across Stony Brook University. This platform has the potential to change and improve everyone's experience around research.
How does the student side of the website work?
After you log into the system, click Student. You have the option to opt-out of emails that remind you of application rounds. If you go to the front page of the site, you can see where the system is with regard to project rounds. You can search for key terms, sort according to compensation, the year that the mentor is interested in, the number of hours, and the project categories. Once you have read through the list of project options, you can favorite these projects. Importantly, you can see the number of spots and the number of applications for each spot to help decide on those to which you apply. Once you complete your application and submit it, it will be listed as pending which mentors can review. When you come back to the site, you can see if you were selected. You will also receive an email at the end of the round to see the overall outcome from that specific round.
I've been accepted to more than one LINCATS-Connect project - what should I do?
LINCATS-Connect does not restrict the number of projects to which an applicant can be accepted. The applicant must navigate "offers" of positions and communicate directly with mentors about availability. In some cases, it is possible to accept more than one project offer, because the time commitments vary considerably.
How does the mentor side of the website work?
Once you have logged into the system, click Mentor. Note you have options for opting out of notifications for rounds. You will need to validate that you are a member of the Stony Brook community. Once you have been validated, this can take a couple of days. After you receive an email confirming validation, you can start posting projects and participate in LINCATS-Connect recruitment.
Posting a new project.
Remember to take a look at where the system is in the recruitment rounds. Mentors will often have old archived projects that can be revised and reposted. The goal is to make these postings engaging for your applicants. Project categories are very broad and you have the opportunity to select multiple options to reflect multidisciplinary research. You can include a paper or two to provide additional context regarding the nature of your work. It is important to provide the contact information for the project director or principal investigator on the project.
Application review.
Once you see that it is time to review applications, you will come into the mentor tasks and see that you have applications to review. If you have posted multiple projects, you can sort by the project. You will see the application text that each applicant has submitted. Every single application will need to be processed by moving it into "Review" or "Rejected". Once a file has moved to review, you will be able to view the entire application, and you will be able to see the contact information of the applicant. At the end of the process, every application needs to have a decision made. Every mentor that completes the review of all applications will receive a star. In turn, all applicants will receive an email informing them of the outcome of the given round of recruitment.
I'm a mentor and did not receive enough applications or I did not find a good match for my project, what should I do?
It happens! Just move any applicants over to the decision area of your application portal and your project will be closed without accepting an applicant. If you did not receive enough applications, keep working on posting projects that engage applicants. Candidates have a lot of options at Stony Brook, and the way the project is presented can make a big difference.
How do I contact LINCATS-Connect staff?
Once users have logged in, LINCATS-Connect staff can be contacted by clicking Contact at the base of any page on the site.