A Holistic Critical Mentoring Model
Description of the image:
The image provided is a diagram illustrating the UMBC McNair Mentoring program’s “A Holistic Critical Mentoring Model”. This model was conceptualized by the Program Director, Michael A. Hunt, in 2019, and is used to guide mentoring practices at the university.
Model Components
The model emphasizes a comprehensive approach to mentoring, with the “UMBC RGPN McNair Mentoring” at the center and surrounded by five interconnected areas of support:
- Scholar’s Whole Self: Focuses on the holistic development and well-being of the scholar.
- Scholar2Scholar: Refers to peer mentoring support groups, promoting mutual assistance among students.
- Formal & Informal Mentors: Includes various types of mentors such as Research, RGPN McNair staff, and Wisdom mentors (retirees from the UMBC community).
- Community of Supporters: Highlights the broader network of support available to the scholars.
- RGPN McNair Staff: Represents the program staff who provide guidance and support.
This model aims to increase the attainment of research-based doctoral degrees for underrepresented and underserved, first-generation, and low-income students by providing culturally nuanced resources and a strong support network.
Would you like more details about any specific component of this mentoring model, such as the formal mentor roles or the Scholar2Scholar program?
About our Mentor Program
As we are in the midst of assessing our mentoring components, we want to ensure all mentors recognize what it means to mentor our scholars from historically excluded and thus underserved communities. We have begun implementing a holistic critical mentoring model. We ask that potential mentors review the tenets of our model with the understanding that the program will assist in mastering their implementation within their mentoring relationships.
Community members are encouraged to apply to be mentors by first completing the Community of Supporters (UMBC McNair Scholar) Form
RGPN Mentor & McNair Mentor
Members of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County faculty and staff work closely with McNair Scholars as RGPN Mentors and McNair Mentors and/or Research Mentors. Immediately upon entering the program, each RGPN Scholar and McNair Scholar is paired with a faculty member, staff member, or alumnus who holds a graduate degree (in a discipline not necessarily related to the scholar’s interest) or is knowledgeable about and can assist with navigating the graduate school preparation process. This person will serve as their RGPN Mentor or McNair Mentor throughout their baccalaureate journey at UMBC.
Commitment:
- 1 hour per month, for the duration of the scholar’s UMBC undergraduate career
- Serve as speaker or panelist for one UMBC McNair-sponsored event per academic year (Quarterly Bootcamps, Annual McNair & Undergraduate Research National Conference, etc.)
- Complete UMBC First Gen Advocates Training & McNair Mentor Training
Research Mentor
Within the first year of participation, scholars must select their Research Mentor. Faculty Research Mentors are from the fields in which RGPN Scholars or McNair Scholars intend to pursue research projects and/or graduate study. Research Mentors guide the scholars through the research process as they prepare and complete an independent research project. The Research Mentor also introduces the scholar to the culture of their discipline. Scholars may select a Research Mentor from those with whom they have studied or worked. Scholars may have multiple Research Mentors throughout their Scholar experience.
Commitment:
- 1 hour per week, for the duration of the development and/or completion of the scholar’s independent research project
- Serve as speaker or panelist for one UMBC McNair-sponsored event per academic year (Quarterly Bootcamps, Annual McNair & Undergraduate Research National Conference, etc.)
- Complete UMBC First Gen Advocates Training & McNair Mentor Training
Wisdom Mentor
During the fall of their graduating senior year, scholars are paired with a Wisdom Mentor from the UMBC Wisdom Institute. Wisdom Mentors are retirees from the UMBC community and are knowledgeable about navigating the graduate school preparation process and life after undergrad. Wisdom Mentors and McNair Senior Scholars will be paired by the McNair staff and this formal mentoring relationship will exist for one year.
Commitment:
- Connect with the Wisdom Institute (https://wisdom.umbc.edu/)
- 1 hour per month, for the duration of the scholar’s UMBC undergraduate career
- Complete UMBC First Gen Advocates Training & McNair Mentor Training
All Mentors must apply and be approved by the McNair Staff. Community members are encouraged to apply by first completing the Community of Supporters (UMBC RGPN Scholars & McNair Scholars) Form.