Choosing Faculty Mentors & Finding Mentoring Communities for Academic Success Dr. Edgar R. Blevins

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1 Choosing Faculty Mentors & Finding Mentoring Communities for Academic Success Dr. Edgar R. Blevins MATC Scholars Program October 28 31, 2015 University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2 OUTLINE Introduction Learning Objectives Learning Outcomes Session Presentation Conclusion

3 LEARNING OBJECTIVES What is mentoring? Benefits of mentoring Identifying and selecting a mentor Expectations of mentors and mentees Understanding the social environment Understand the components of a mentor community strategy

4 LEARNING OUTCOMES Understand how to select a mentor Gained an appreciation for faculty mentors and advisors Learn about mentor expectations Know his/her responsibilities as a mentee Develop a mentor community strategy

5 THE WORD MENTOR The word mentor has a unique history. The word is in fact the proper name of a person, Mentor. The story of Mentor is found in Greek mythology s epic poem Odyssey. The Odyssey is a poem about Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who led the Greek soldiers during the Trojan War. The story goes that Odysseus roamed the countryside for 10 years after the war before reaching home. However, before Odysseus went off to war he hired Mentor and entrusted him with the education of his son, Telemachus. Mentor became Telemachus's teacher, counselor, and guide.

6 MENTORING Mentoring is an enabling, one-on-one relationship that foster individual growth and development. It is an integrated approach that brings together the functions of coaching, advocacy, nurturing, sponsoring, and tutoring.

7 MENTORING What does Faculty Mentor mean to you? Create a list of terms or phrases that define a faculty mentor.

8 MENTORING Mentors have the ability to assist graduate students of color with adjustment to both the academic and nonacademic aspects of graduate education. There are several models of mentoring programs at many universities throughout the country. The relationship involves an experienced individual (mentor) who influences the behavior, habits, performance and progress of a less experienced person (protégé).

9 ADVISOR versus MENTOR What is an Advisor? This person is typically assigned to you by the department or graduate program. Advisors duties and responsibilities includes: Helps students select courses Direct Thesis or Dissertation

10 ADVISOR versus MENTOR Is an advisor also a mentor? Relationships with mentors tend to be deeper and more personal. Many students maintain contact with their mentors after graduate school and mentors often are a source of information and support as new graduates enter the world of work.

11 BENEFITS OF MENTORING Individuals in effective mentoring relationships Experience fewer adjustment problems; Advance at a faster pace; Are more productive; and Are more responsible for the choices they make.

12 MENTORING AND ACADEMIC/CAREER SUCCESS DATA Research literature shows that greater success results from strong mentoring relationships. Council of Graduate Schools survey of recent doctoral recipients report that the availability and quality of mentoring and advising played a major role in their ability to complete the degree. (2009)

13 IDENTIFYING A MENTOR Background Building the Relationship/Negotiating Agreement Department Chair Minority Faculty Member Research Area Planning for Mentoring Developing Protégé /Maintaining Momentum Ending the Formal Relationship

14 IDENTIFYING A MENTOR Characteristics of a Good Mentor The 3P s of Effective Mentoring by Howard G. Adams and Associates, Inc. Effective mentoring provides protégés an EDGE: PROCESS strategies ( how-to) for problem solving. PERMISSION the okay to function; grants permission. PROTECTION shields from outside attacks.

15 EXPECTATIONS OF MENTORS AND MENTEES Mentor s Role Provide information and/or resources Give Advice Detail Expectations Share experiences and knowledge Develop an academic plan and goals

16 EXPECTATIONS OF MENTORS AND MENTEES Must be proactive Express interest Protégé s Role Demonstrate appreciation of mentor s time and support Committed to learning Receptive to being directed and learn from experiences

17 UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT Good mentorship consist of assessing, coaching, demonstrating, teaching, interacting, and counseling. This could lead to a protégé having a better understanding of the following: Academic protocol Organizational norms Office politics Skills and competencies required Attributes and qualities to be successful Avenues for advancement

18 COMPONENT OF A MENTOR COMMUNITY STRATEGY Peer Mentoring What does this mean to you? Are there any benefits?

19 COMPONENT OF A MENTOR COMMUNITY STRATEGY Peer Mentoring Peer-mentoring program for new graduate students can supplement the mentoring provided by faculty Builds community within the graduate program. Peer mentors selected from more advanced graduate students should be trained at providing support to new students in their graduate program. Peer mentors are often able to decipher the unwritten rules of the institution or the dominant culture and can be more effective than faculty in sharing survival skills.

20 CONCLUSION

21 CONCLUSION

22 CONCLUSION

23 CONCLUSION

24 REFERENCES Science Mentoring: Does Race Matter? Council of Graduate Schools Lesson Four Mentoring Systems Includes Mentoring Resources Howard G. Adams and Associates

25 CREDITS Dr. Edgar R. Blevins Professor Southern University A & M College Mechanical Engineering Department 355 Pinchback Engineering Hall Baton Rouge, LA Edgar_Blevins@subr.edu Slide design 2009, Mid-America Transportation Center. All rights reserved.