The Department of Psychological Science is committed to advising and mentoring its students. We see advising and mentoring as two different processes.
Advising
We employ Empowered Advising by teaching students how to read and understand their Degree Plan in order to take control of their academic career. The focus of an advising session is faculty verification that the course selection is on target with the student’s degree plan. After the appointment, we lift the advising hold/flag and encourage students to enroll in classes as early as possible to ensure their seat in the desired class. Advising meetings should last no longer than 20 minutes and cover course selection, degree plan, and flag raising. Students are encouraged to come prepared in order to maximize advising effectiveness.
Mentoring
Mentoring sessions are intended for conversations about grad school, research, internships, careers, and evaluation of possible minors. Getting to know students is paramount in effective mentoring, and we encourage students to reach out whenever they have questions concerning their career choices and possible academic pathways. Mentoring sessions may be scheduled with a specific faculty member of the student’s choice, or it can be based on a class or research interest. While office hours are available, they are on a first-come-first-served basis.
If you are new to our department and/or have no preference, please feel free to reach out to the Department Chair, Dr. Elisabeth Sherwin (ebsherwin@ualr.edu). You can meet with her, or she can help direct you to the right faculty member for mentoring. We look forward to empowered advising and mentoring you!
