Alabama LSAMP/Bridge to the Doctorate
Mentoring Program
The goal of the ALSAMP/Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) Mentoring Program is to establish a partnership between BD students and ALSAMP scholars in an effort to assist scholars to achieve excellence, flourish in a cohesive and supportive university culture, receive exposure to research experiences and become knowledgeable about future career options.
As part of this effort, BD students (mentors) meet regularly with scholars (mentees) and provide guidance and support as they complete successfully the university requirements and pursue post-graduate education and/or a professional career.
As part of the mentoring program, scholars have the opportunity to work closely with graduate students to enhance their academic experience/expertise, establish a network with future scientists in training and participate in scientific meetings and symposiums not readily available to undergraduate students.
ELIGIBILITY – MENTEES:
ELIGIBILITY – MENTORS:
- Be an UAB ALSAMP BD student
GUIDELINES:
ALSAMP scholars must complete and submit a Mentee Information Form to:
Dr. Carolyn Braswell
401 Campbell Hall, zip 1170
Forms will be reviewed for:
- Student’s eligibility and
- Student’s needs, expectations and major.
BD students must complete and submit a Mentor Information Form to:
Dr. Carolyn Braswell
401 Campbell Hall, zip 1170
Selection of mentors will be based on:
- Needs of ALSAMP students and
- Mentor’s qualifications.
BENEFITS TO MENTEE:
- Interacts with a graduate student one on one who is not the teacher;
- Discusses academic issues with a graduate student who has been through the process;
- Gets involved in research;
- Gets involved in outreach activities and networking;
- Is compelled to think about potential future employment opportunities;
- Understands better his/her role in academia and
- Receives advice, assistance and encouragement.
BENEFITS TO MENTOR:
- Opportunity to develop a relationship with an undergraduate STEM student;
- Opportunity to contribute to the mentee’s success;
- Opportunity to develop leadership skills;
- Opportunity to reflect on one’s role in academia and
- Opportunity to discover new ways of thinking.
EXPECTATIONS FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES:
- Upon entry into the mentoring program the mentee and mentor will agree on a written schedule based on the needs of the mentee. This document will be revisited periodically by the mentor and the mentee.
- Mentor and mentee should meet at least monthly.
- Mentor and mentee should complete evaluation forms in December and May. Forms are confidential and should be sent directly to Dr. Carolyn Braswell.
EXPECTATIONS FOR MENTORS:
- Agree to mentor an ALSAMP scholar during the academic year.
- Meet with the mentee once a month or more.
- Provide advice, coaching and feedback when requested regarding the mentee’s achievements, difficulties and challenges.
- Provide opportunities for the mentee to become better prepared for graduate school and/or a professional career.
- Maintain confidentiality.
EXPECTATIONS FOR MENTEES:
- Schedule meetings and seek assistance from mentors.
- Communicate with mentor on a regular basis. (mentor and mentee will agree on the best method of communication)
- Take primary responsibility for their own academic achievement.
- Be punctual to meetings.
- Be receptive to advice and constructive criticism.
- Maintain confidentiality.
Mentor Information Form
(PDF format - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
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