Entering Mentoring Training

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity has partnered with the Teaching and Learning Center, Research Librarians, and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies to bring the nationally recognized Entering Mentoring training to NAU.

The goal of the training is to accelerate the process of becoming an effective research mentor. The approach described provides mentors with an intellectual framework, an opportunity to experiment with various methods, and a forum in which to solve mentoring dilemmas with the help of their peers. The mentor-training process expands each mentor’s knowledge through secondhand exposure to the experiences of the entire group, enabling participants to engage with as many mentoring experiences as each of them would typically handle in a decade. This process in turn enhances their readiness to work with diverse mentees and anticipate new situations. At the completion of the training, mentors will have articulated their own approach to mentoring and have a toolbox of strategies to draw upon when confronted with mentoring challenges.

Further, this program is intended to support faculty connected to NSF proposals and awards. Effective May 20, 2024, all NSF grant applications require a mentoring plan for postdoctoral scholars and graduate students supported by the award.  In addition, each postdoctoral scholar or graduate student who receives substantial NSF support must have an Individual Development Plan, updated annually, that maps educational goals, career exploration, and professional development.

Entering Mentoring sessions are open to all faculty, post-docs, and graduate students who currently work with at least one graduate or one undergraduate student in research, scholarship, and creative activities.

Accepting applications for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 now!

Applications

Applications will by accepted via the online application portal. The application includes the following components:

1. Name, title, department, and college
2. Do you typically mentor undergraduate students at NAU?  If so, how many each year?
3. Do you typically mentor graduate students at NAU?  If so, how many each year?
4. Why are you applying to the Entering Mentoring program? (Answer in about 150 words)
5. The Entering Mentoring program consists of 9 modules that are facilitated over a number of sessions. The true value in the program lies in the small-group discussions and interactions with members of the cohort. Are you able to commit to all meetings of the cohort you intend to join?
6. Participating in the Entering Mentoring program is a significant commitment on your part and may require the support of your department. Have you shared with your chair/director/supervisor that you are applying to be part of the Entering Mentoring program?