2015 MATC Scholars Program

Choosing a Graduate Program: Making a Short List

The nuances of choosing a graduate program in the context of the student's background, financial environment, and relative quality of the programs of interest are articulated. How the issues of online versus traditional coursework considerations as well as maters to doctoral decision-making process affect the ultimate path taken to achieve the student's graduate school goals is discussed. A synopsis of the process of identifying, evaluation, and choosing a program compatible with the needs of the prospective graduate will be examined. Also, the basics of how to create a competitive application packet that contains GRE scores, personal statements and letters of recommendation will be covered.

Communication Skills

This session will address the components of active communication; written and oral. The importance of appropriate writing and speaking in academic and corporate settings will be stressed. In the interactive session, participants will be challenged to improve their communication skills through hands-on activities and oral activities. Participants will develop and/or critique their personal statements. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding the role of non-verbal communication cues.

Choosing Faculty Mentors & Finding “Mentoring Communities” for Academic Success

Mentoring in graduate school provides students with coaching, counseling, and nurturing support essential to developing academically, personally, and professionally. This session provides information on how to identify and select a faculty mentor and mentors from other communities.

The topics covered include: students’ perspectives of faculty mentors, what to look for in a faculty mentor and finding good match, the benefits of a positive mentor/mentee relationship, what is expected from a mentor, the social environment of graduate school, the difference between a faculty mentor and an academic advisor, and insight into what students may experience during grad school. The goal of this session is to show that faculty mentors and mentoring communities are essential to the success of graduate students.