FAQs for Faculty Mentors

What do I need to do to declare that I agree to be a Faculty Mentor?
Once you have agreed to be a Faculty Mentor for a prospective IVSP student, we will need an official letter of support for the student. The letter should be two to three paragraphs, on UMD letterhead, and state your agreement to serve as Mentor and support for the student’s proposal. (Other mentors have also included a recommendation of the student’s academic abilities and/or potential, but doesn't need to be included). This letter should be addressed to the IVSP Faculty Review Board and submitted by e-mail to Dr. Burton (jburton1@umd.edu) and Lori (ljusie1@umd.edu).

Do I need to be present for the Faculty Review Board Meeting when my mentee proposes?
No. Only the student needs to be present. Either our office or the student will let you know about the outcome of the meeting.

When do students complete IVSP317 and what is its purpose?
IVSP 317, Progress Report, is a self-analyzing report required each semester of all Individual Studies students. Students should complete their report and turn in copies to both their Faculty Mentor and the IVSP office by the last day of finals each semester. Although students complete Progress Reports each semester, they only register for IVSP 317 credit in the semester they intend to graduate. This course is officially graded by the IVSP office, but is also sent to the Faculty Mentor.

How can a student receive credit for internship or independent study through the Individual Studies Program?
Students receive credit in IVSP318 for completing internships, directed study, independent research, and special projects. Faculty Mentors and students should work together to complete an IVSP Learning Contract which outlines the internship or project as well as how and by whom it will be evaluated. The IVSP office has IVSP318 section numbers for each Faculty Mentor, so please refer students to the IVSP office in order to register for 318.

Is it possible to modify a student’s curriculum after it has been approved by the Faculty Review Board?
It must be understood that the curriculum, listed as “Required Coursework by Concentration,” accepted by the IVSP Faculty Review Board becomes the graduation requirements for the IVSP student. Course modifications can be made to a student’s curriculum, but this should only occur in special circumstances. An example would be a course that is no longer offered by the university. The student, with the written approval of the Faculty Mentor, can request to modify the curriculum. If the changes are substantial, some students requesting changes to their curriculum may be required to go back before the Board to present their updated proposal.

What is the process for a student seeking a Faculty Mentor?
Applying to IVSP, typically takes place over one semester during which students write and revise a proposal, or rationale, for their individual major that also outlines a detailed plan of study and a potential capstone project. During this time, students also seek the support of a faculty member who has significant teaching or research experience in a field related to their proposed major. Once students have a polished proposal and a faculty member has agreed to serve as their mentor, they are then ready to go before the Faculty Review Board to seek approval for their individual major. Once students are accepted into the program, the Faculty Mentor and student partnership is official.

What are the responsibilities of Faculty Mentors?

• Faculty Mentors endorse the academic integrity of the individual major and are the IVSP student’s first line of faculty guidance.
• Working with the student to develop the individualized course of study, including reviewing the student’s course list and areas of concentration, exploring possible capstone projects, and giving advice and suggestions as needed during the initial proposal process.
• Once the student is accepted into IVSP, the faculty mentor and student form an academic partnership, meet each semester; faculty and student determine the frequency of and schedule for these meetings.
• Approving possible student requests (if any) for changes in their curriculum.
• Supervising the student’s senior thesis or capstone project, reviewing a draft, suggesting revisions or adjustments, and evaluating and grading the final thesis or project.
• OPTIONAL: Assisting student in planning optional independent study projects or internships, determining credit level, and grading the study (or evaluating the internship) when it is completed.

Note: Mentors are not expected to monitor students’ progress in coursework or general degree requirements. The IVSP staff assist students, making sure all requirements are met on time.

How much time do Faculty Mentors devote to mentees?
IVSP understands that faculty have many, often competing, demands on their time. Therefore, we encourage faculty and students to work together in a manner that is rewarding rather than draining. Some faculty work closely with their student, meeting often and providing detailed guidance. Others, however, meet less often, require a greater degree of independence from their students, and provide broader, less detailed, guidance. We encourage faculty and students to discuss the time commitment and set clear expectations, creating a plan that works well for both the student and mentor.

What are the responsibilities of IVSP students?

• Keep faculty apprised of their progress.
• Send a copy of their 4-6 page reflection report on their learning each semester (provide the IVSP office a copy, as well).
• Come to regular meetings with their mentors prepared, having completed any expected tasks, having particular questions or seeking particular advice, asking about specific resources, and, during the final semester, having thesis drafts, or parts of projects, for the mentor to review.
• Notifying faculty well in advance if he or she cannot attend a scheduled meeting or meet a deadline. An excuse should be a rare occurrence, used only in legitimate, unavoidable circumstances.

What is the role of the IVSP office and staff?

• Provide ongoing support to IVSP student and faculty mentor throughout their academic partnership.
• Encourage students to be respectful of their mentor’s time, come to meetings with their mentor’s prepared, and conduct themselves in a professional, responsible manner.
• Include students in listserv announcement of relevant academic opportunities, internships, service positions, and career opportunities, and assist students in creating professional resumes.
• Assist students with keeping track of degree and graduation requirements.
• Provide students with ongoing academic, internship, and study abroad advice as requested.
• In their final semester, they should meet regularly with a small group of graduating seniors as they write their theses and create their capstone projects.
• Encourage students to use the IVSP office as a place to work on their theses/projects if needed, and encourage IVSP students to support each other.

What if my mentee wants to change their capstone idea from their original proposal?
Students may change their capstone project or the scope of it as necessary. Before the student can register for IVSP420, they will consult with you to create a final prospectus that requires your official approval. As long as you support are okay with their idea and think that it is a worthwhile project for their subject area, in most cases, it iss not a problem that their idea changes or shifts. We do recommend that the student run their idea by the IVSP staff first, before consulting with you.