DESCRIPTION

In the challenging and fast-paced world of science, technology, engineering, and math, it is an exciting time for new college students to begin their studies in STEM fields. However, it can also be overwhelming. Sometimes the best help comes in the form of someone else who has been in our shoes and can light the way.

This course is designed for undergraduates who will be mentoring students majoring in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The purpose of this course is to prepare these mentors for the critical role they will assume in improving the academic and social transition of their mentees by helping them achieve social and academic success across three areas of training:

• Peer relationships
• Transitioning students
• Cultural competency

Target Audience: Upper level STEM majors at 4-yr universities

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course student mentors will:

• Understand the responsibilities of the peer mentor and mentee
• Understand how to build a successful relationship with mentees
• Understand the transition to college for various student populations
• Have an appreciation for diversity, and to be able to serve as a mentor and ally in diversity and inclusion for mentees
• Understand the university and community resources that support the transition for various college populations

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Dorinda Gallant, PhD, Director of STEM Initiatives

Dorinda Gallant, PhD, is the director of STEM initiatives in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, director and co-PI of The Ohio LSAMP Alliance, and an associate professor of Quantitative Research, Evaluation and Measurement in the Department of Educational Studies, College of Education and Human Ecology.  Her career as an educator began over 30 years ago as a middle and high school mathematics teacher in South Carolina.  Over the past 16 years, Dr. Gallant has been mentoring and preparing the next generation of educational statisticians and assessment and evaluation experts.  Fundamental to her research interests in assessment and program evaluation in K-12 and higher education is applied measurement in education. Dr. Gallant holds a BA in Mathematics from Winthrop University, MEd in Secondary Education Mathematics from Coastal Carolina University, and a PhD in Educational Psychology and Research (Research Track) from the University of South Carolina.

ABOUT THE COURSE

Peer Mentoring in STEM: Training for Mentors was developed through a supplement to a grant from the National Science Foundation to The Ohio LSAMP Alliance, HRD-1304371

The partner institutions of The Ohio LSAMP Alliance include four community colleges and 7 four-year institutions, including two HBCUs:

• Central State University
• Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
• Cleveland State University
• Columbus State Community College
• Cuyahoga Community College
• Miami University
• Sinclair Community College
• The Ohio State University
• University of Cincinnati
• Wright State University

Technical Assistance

If you have registration questions or experience issues with this course, please contact the Open Learning team. Make sure to include the full name of the course and the email address you used to register your account.