2020 Program Overview

 Program Overview:

The Physical Sciences Undergraduate Mentoring Program (PSUM) is an initiative by the School of Physical Sciences to help undergraduate students succeed professionally and academically. Students have the opportunity to meet professionals who will expose them to the many career paths and industries available in the Physical Sciences. PSUM runs annually from October through May, but the relationships that are built often last much, much longer. All Physical Sciences alumni are welcome to join the program as mentors. We also welcome friends of the School and local professionals in the Physical Sciences fields who are interested in coaching our students. All Physical Sciences junior and senior undergrads are encouraged to participate in our program. Students must complete an application and reference strong motivation for participating in the program.

Mentors can sign-up for the program by completing their online profile. After the mentors have registered, eligible students will review the mentor's online profiles to determine their preferred mentors -- or mentors that best suit their career and personal needs. After a mentor and student are paired, each will be notified of who their mentor or student is. Students are expected to send an introductory email to their mentors. The duo will have their opportunity to meet and discuss expectations at the PSUM Meet and Greet.

In response to the current health crisis, the 2020-2021 PSUM program will not be holding in person events as we have done so in the past years. But rather, we will continue to assist our students and prepare them for life after graduate, but via a remote experience. 

Students

  1. Apply online (click on the link to the 2020 Student Application) during the application period and list your top 10 preferred mentors.
  2. The PSUM Committee will be pairing you up with a mentor based on what you put on your application.
  3. The program coordinator will match you with a mentor, and email you his/her contact info.
  4. Students will be required to send an introductory email to your mentor.
  5. You will need to stay in touch with your mentor on a regular basis through telephone or online platforms.

Mentors

  1. Complete an online mentor profile.
  2. The PSUM Committee will be pairing you up with a mentee based on common career interests and expectations.
  3. Expect an email from your matched student(s).
  4. Stay in touch with your mentee(s) on a regular basis through telephone or online platforms.

The Mentoring Process 
A Physical Sciences Mentor is a guide, friend and resource who shares education and professional experience to help pave the way for students to succeed professionally and academically. For mentoring to be successful, both parties must work at developing a relationship and should remain open-minded, respectful and abide by the expectations they have set. Each duo has the flexibility to set their own expectations regarding meetings, communication, goals, etc.