Mentoring and Mentor Training
IMSD at UTSA mentoring will take place at multiple levels, with connections cultivated with faculty, peers, undergraduates, and former role-model UTSA graduates.
Mentoring Model
The IMSD at UTSA's mentoring and training will be 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 out goal in the UTSA at IMSD Program to help you find these strategies and pathways.
Mentoring Will Be Extensive
- IMSD at UTSA "Buddy" or Near-Peer Mentoring: New trainees will be assigned to connect with an advanced doctoral trainee in their program who will assist them in their transition to UTSA.
- Mentoring by an IMSD at UTSA Program Director: IMSD at UTSA has many PDs, as well as a Training Specialist, who will hold scheduled meetings with trainees and be available to meet as desired (including "drop in" mentoring with Dr. Taylor).
- Training in Mentoring: Trainees will be allowed to complete a specialized section of the "Becoming a Mentor @ UTSA" training to assist them develop mentoring skills. It will be similar to the one offered to faculty.
- Mentoring Undergraduates: Trainees will be given opportunities to connect with undergraduates as panelists, during IMSD at UTSA/MARC meetings, and as graduate student mentors in their UTSA labs.
- Mentoring by Alumni: With 30+ years of training program history at UTSA, we have an extensive group of alumni in diverse fields and career paths. Trainees will meet some of them in our Friday Seminar Series, but are also encouraged to connect directly through an introduction by Dr. Taylor.
