The Research and Service Leadership Symposium (RSLS) celebrates extended project-based
learning within and beyond the classroom.For many students the projects are completed within their courses, clubs, or programs,
while for others the projects are developed independently. Either way, students need
guidance to refine, develop, and finally present their projects!
The journey to complete a project can be an exciting but is often a formidable endeavor
for many students. Every student can benefit from having their personal Virgil as
they make this journey. This is where you come in!
Some students have already started projects for the RSLS, but many others are still
seeking encouragement and mentors. You are invited and encouraged to share your expertise
and enthusiasm to identify, motivate, and guide these students.
Mentor FAQs
Everyone! Full or part-time Foothill faculty, staff, and administrators can all serve as
mentors.
Many mentors recruit students from their current or prior classes, clubs, or programs.
But, you may work with any student who would like to work with you. We may refer a
student to you if your area of expertise is a good match for the project, or you may
receive a request from a student. You can also reach out to a student if you have
expertise to provide, or if you can serve to guide them through the process. You may
work with just one student, multiple students in a single group project, or multiple
students individually on separate projects. You decide!
The time you spend depends on you and the student. Some mentors meet regularly to
help with project development while others meet only to assist with the application
or presentation. A good strategy is to meet with the student early in the process
to determine what works for both of you. If you are working with multiple students
or teams, this may increase your time commitment.
The relationship you build is up to you and the student. Many mentors enjoy a more
active role, working side-by-side on projects with their mentees, or engaging in workshops.
Others take a strictly advisory or editorial role. The type of project or the stage
of development will also guide your relationship. And location may also shape your
relationship. It is possible to work with a student who is in another city, country
or time zone. You can mentor virtually or face-to-face.
While there are no requirements for mentoring, an important first step is to assist
students with the application. This includes reviewing the proposal and application
for clarity before submitting, responding to the notifications for mentor "approval,"
and guiding students on revisions. Another critical step is to assist in presentation
development, by assisting in the preparation of slides or materials, and by encouraging
practice of the presentation before the event. You can also help students meet important
deadlines.
When students apply to the RSLS, they include their mentor's contact information.
All notifications sent to students will also be sent to mentors. Some of these notifications
will ask you to respond directly or take action. For example, when the application
is submitted, we request mentor "approval" on the Smartsheet form. We want to make
sure you've agreed to serve as the student's mentor, and that you've reviewed their
project proposal. We will also provide regular updates on deadlines for revisions,
additional information, final presentation submissions, and workshops. You can follow
up with your mentee to encourage them to meet these deadlines, to review their work,
and to attend workshops. You may also attend the workshops to get more insights into
each step of the process.
We value your time and commitment to your students. Professional development credit
(PGA/PAA) can be requested for the ongoing mentorship role you play, and for each
mentorship workshop you attend. Please review the Foothill College Professional Development
website for more information and forms specific to the RSLS: Earning PGA/PAA for RSLS.
We Are Here to Support You
As you support your mentees, we are here to support you. You don't need to mentor
alone. We offer mentorship workshops each quarter to guide you in the process. And,
more importantly, we have timely student workshops each quarter to provide RSLS participants
with resources and tools for success to guide them every step of the way. By encouraging
students to attend these workshops, you are supporting them as a mentor. We also welcome
mentors to attend these workshops with students to clarify the steps further. When
you become a mentor, you join the RSLS team.
As a mentor, you can also support your students by facilitating one of the Zoom rooms
during the spring RSLS event. Your presence will be greatly welcomed by your mentee,
and you will be able to experience the many wonderful projects developed by students
across the disciplines. You can also invite new students from your classes, clubs,
or programs to join you and see what the RSLS is all about, setting them up for the
next year!
Want More Info?
Contact RSLS Coordinators Allison Herman and Sam Fleischer at RSLS@fhda.edu.
