STEP Faculty Mentor Guidelines
STEP Program Overview
Ohio State’s Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) was developed as a continuation of the university’s effort to redefine the student experience.STEP is designed to focus on student success and development and allows students the opportunity to engage in activities that cater to their individual interests and needs. Through interaction with faculty, students develop skills for life and build essential network connections. By fulfilling program requirements, students are eligible to receive a fellowship of up to $2,000 to support a STEP Signature Project that will enhance their academic programs. The project areasinclude:undergraduate research; study abroad; service-learning/community service; internship; creative and artistic endeavors; and/or leadership development. In 2013-14, 1,000 second-year students were a part of STEP during a pilot year. 2018-19 will be the sixth year of the program, and we anticipate that our student numbers will be close to 3,000 once again.
Faculty Engagement
Faculty engagement is central to the Second-year Transformational Experience Program. Research shows that interaction with faculty, both formal and informal, is a strong predictor of student success. Thus, STEP has made it a priority to create an environmentin which faculty and students develop meaningful academic and intellectual engagement. STEP Faculty Mentors help guide students through their second year, personally and professionally.
STEP Faculty Mentor Expectations
STEP also provides opportunities for faculty to gain a greater understanding of students, deepen their commitment to the university community,meet and network with faculty outside of their respective disciplines,and even acquire new teaching skills and strategies. We are committed to assisting our faculty grow personally and professionally through trainings, unique programming opportunities, and on-going support.
Being a STEP Faculty Mentor is a yearlong commitment; expectations are associated with each semester. Faculty mentors will . . .
Attend a STEP Faculty Mentor Spring Orientation Session in May of the current academic year.
Fall Semester
Attend a STEP Faculty Mentor Workshop in August before classes begin.
Participate in one additional STEP Faculty Enrichment Seminar.
Guide and mentorup to 16, second-year studentsthrough an exploration of personal development and education-enhancing experiences through weekly,small group, dialogue-focused(STEP Cohort) 90-minute meetings.
Increase students’ awareness of their own identity, evidence and reflection-based decision-making, and global citizenship through thoughtful conversations and programming within cohort meetings.
Guide students to select appropriate personal or professional development co-curriculars (PDC’s) that are consistent with their growth and development needs and interests.
Attend STEP Fall Expo.
Spring Semester:
Attend the STEP Faculty Mentor Proposal and Funding Training at the beginning of the semester.
Meet consistently with your STEP students (i.e. bi-weekly, one-on-one, group sessions and outings - adding up to a minimum of 6 touchpoints with each student during Spring semester) to assist them in developing their STEP Signature Projects focused on one(or some combination) of the six project areas(undergraduate research; study abroad; service-learning/community service; internship; creative and artistic endeavors; and/or leadership development).
Continue to guide students to select appropriate personal or professional development co-curriculars (PDC’s) that are consistent with their growth and development needs and interests.
Throughout the Academic Year:
Interact with students one-on-one and provide advice and mentoring that will assist him/her in the transition from being asuccessful Ohio State student to becoming a globally minded,career-ready graduate.
Engage in dialogue with fellow STEP Faculty Mentors on your assigned faculty team.
Be an active participant in STEP activities and opportunities.
Provide thoughtful feedback to the STEP administration as STEP continues to grow and develop.
Serve as an ambassador for STEP across campus in your conversations with students, faculty and administrators.
STEP Faculty Mentor Benefits
Engage in significant and meaningful engagement with students outside of the classroom.
Network withfaculty mentors from across the university.
Enjoy informal lunches with students in your cohort - Student Life provides each STEP Faculty Mentor with “meal visits” to beused at any campus dining facility.
Work with faculty and students on transformational projects.
Receive a $5,000 stipend to be used for cohort activities and personal or academic pursuits.
Being recognized for excellence in teaching and service.
Contacts -
Susie Whittington, STEP Director, Academic Affairs, , 614-292-4128
Vicki Pitstick, STEP Leadership Team, Academic Affairs, , 614-292-5732
Revised November 2017