IMSD at UTSA Mentoring

Mentoring and Mentor Training

IMSD at UTSA mentoring took place at multiple levels, with connections cultivated with faculty, peers, undergraduates, and former role-model graduates.

Mentoring Model

The IMSD at UTSA's mentoring and training was framed around the "Growth Mindset" model of human intelligence. Psychologist Carol Dweck, of Stanford University, coined this term, which focuses on our human ability to grow and adapt in the face of adversity. "Intelligence" is not fixed. People with a growth mindset to tend to believe that there is an answer available that they can employ to a challenge and persist by identifying innovative strategies and pathways to overcome it. It is our goal to help you find these strategies and pathways.

Mentoring Will Be Extensive

• IMSD at UTSA "Buddy" or Near-Peer Mentoring: New trainees were assigned to connect with an advanced doctoral trainee in their program who assisted them in their transition to The University of Texas at San Antonio.
• Mentoring by an IMSD at UTSA Program Director: IMSD at UTSA had many PDs, as well as a Training Specialist, who held scheduled meetings with trainees and were available to meet as desired (including "drop in" mentoring with Dr. Taylor).
• Training in Mentoring: Trainees were allowed to complete a specialized section of the "Becoming a Mentor @ UTSA" training to assist them develop mentoring skills. It was similar to the one offered to faculty.
• Mentoring Undergraduates: Trainees were given opportunities to connect with undergraduates as panelists, during IMSD at UTSA/MARC meetings, and as graduate student mentors in their labs.
• Mentoring by Alumni: With 30+ years of training program history at The University of Texas at San Antonio, we have an extensive group of alumni in diverse fields and career paths. Trainees met some of them in our Friday Seminar Series, but were also encouraged to connect directly through an introduction by Dr. Taylor.