IMSD Mentoring
The IMSD mentoring program utilizes a 4-level mentoring approach employing Peer mentors, On-site mentors, Distant mentors, and Near-Peer mentors to provide a unique network of peer and faculty mentors who provide site-specific career and structure to orient students into the culture of academia (biomedical research) and offers interpersonal and intrapersonal support to nurture the mentee’s professional development. The POD was developed, in part, because of the very low number of available minority faculty mentors and the very limited time that a mentor can spend with a mentee. As opposed to the one-mentor approach, the POD is multi-level and employs mentoring at three levels creating a unique network of peer and faculty mentors who provide site-specific career guidance.
Roles and Responsibilities of POD Mentorship Program
| Role | Individual Filling the Roll | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Mentee | 1st Year IMSD Student | Consistently initiate contact with Peer MentorAttend a minimum of 1 meeting with each mentor during each semester. Attend a minimum of 3 IMSD social events per semester. Log mentoring encountersParticipate in mentoring-related assessmentsMentor undergraduate students |
| Peer Mentors | Upper-level (i.e., post-candidacy) graduate students, advanced IMSD students | Be collegial and supportive, offering directions based on first-hand experience. Consistently initiate contact with menteeAttend 1 Peer Mentor training each year. |
| Onsite Faculty Mentors | Graduate Program Directors and UAMS Research Faculty Mentors | Mentee’s advocate, liaison, and coach; provide information in targeted content areas (i.e., CV, IDP, goals, grants, collaborations) |
| Distant Mentors | Former IMSD Students (i.e., those who have completed their Ph.D.) | Serve as the mentee’s career advisor, providing advice (ex. the dissertation process, job seeking, etc.). |
| IMSD Representative | IMSD Leadership Team | Oversee matching of students and mentors and monitor subsequent mentor/mentee interactions and progress |
| Near-Peer Mentoring | All IMSD Students | Mentoring undergraduate students |