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How to Find a Faculty Mentor

First, research and talk with faculty members in your fields of interest.   If one faculty member cannot serve as your mentor, ask them for referrals to other faculty who may be appropriate.  Staff in the IDSC office will have suggestions on possible Faculty Mentors, but you may want to consider a faculty member you have had a memorable course with, someone about whom you hear positive things, or someone who is a known expert or scholar in your chosen field of interest.  It is important to choose someone with whom you are comfortable, enjoy working with and learning from, and look forward to getting to know better.

Criteria for Faculty Mentors

• An Interdisciplinary University Studies Degree Faculty Mentor must be a full-time member of the Auburn University faculty with a rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor or;
  
  
• In some cases, the only person on campus who has a good knowledge of a particular area of study may be an instructor or academic staff member.  In such cases, it may be necessary to verify the staff member’s ability to serve as a Faculty Advisor to identify if co-sponsorship from a qualifying faculty member is necessary.  The Faculty Oversight Committee must provide approvals in these cases.

Some Considerations to Remember:

• Sometimes, your Faculty Mentor will not be immediately available. It is your responsibility to initiate meetings well in advance and to come prepared to spend the time wisely.
  
  
• The Faculty Mentor is not your only resource. You should seek out other faculty for all possible expertise, whether critically reviewing the program, supervising an independent study, or simply gathering diverse opinions.
  

• Meet regularly with your Faculty Mentor.  It is suggested at least two meetings per semester: before pre-registration, and around exam time to discuss the progress towards the IDSC plan of study.   During the final semester before graduation, additional meetings are needed to discuss the IDSC Capstone Project.