mentoring along the academic journey valerie davidson nserc/hp chair for women in science and...
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Mentoring Along the Academic Journey
Valerie Davidson
NSERC/HP Chair for Women in Science and Engineering
NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE)
Goals: Increase the participation of women in
science & engineering Provide role models for women considering
careers in these areas 5 regional chairs 50% Chair; 50% faculty role
ON CWSE Proposal
Activities to support career planning & development – undergraduates and graduate students
Work with administrators to ensure that university faculties and departments are positive environments for female students and faculty members
Top 4 issues identified by female scientists & engineers (Rosser and O’Neil Lane 2002)
Balancing work with family responsibilities (children, elderly relatives, etc.) ( 72%)
Low numbers of women, isolation and lack of camaraderie/mentoring ( 23 %)
Gaining credibility/respectability from peers and administrators ( 20%)
Affirmative action backlash and discrimination (13%)
Exploring Mentoring
Expectations of a mentoring relationship
Mentoring models
Changing the academic culture
Actions for the CWSEs
Expectations ?
Experienced and trusted advisor Challenges - new experiences/paths Support that enhances self-reflection and
personal development
Identify other supports that may help with challenges of academic life Networks of women in similar circumstances Specific skills training
Mentoring models
Formal mentoring relationships e.g. mentor committees
Multiple mentors (formal & informal) E-mentoring
MentorNet (Carol B. Muller) Academic Career E-mentoring (2003)
Graduate students, post-docs, tenure-track faculty
www.MentorNet.net
Changing academic culture
Academic expectations must align with individual aspirations for a full and complete life
Need to recognise the cost of losing individuals along the academic journey
Actions for the CWSEs
Undergraduate students Developing professional identity Career roadmaps
Graduate students Career roadmaps Family balance issues
Faculty Networks Family balance issues
Contact details
Valerie Davidson
School of Engineering, University of Guelph
www.soe.uoguelph.ca/webfiles/cwse/