FSL Faculty Mentor Program
FSL Students participating in the Reverse Career Fair
What is a Faculty Mentor?
Faculty or staff mentors are assigned once participants reach their junior and senior years at APSU. These mentors are directly connected to each participant's major degree. They meet FSL students twice a month and send session reports to the FSL office and commit to this position for one academic year.
Faculty Mentors support FSL students in the areas of advisement, career readiness, and transition to the workforce. They make sure that contact with the mentee, mainly through face-to-face meetings, is maintained on a regular basis (at least twice a month). Mentors have a successful track record of working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and have a sense of supportiveness coupled with good networking skills. They support students in resume building, interviewing skills, and internship/volunteer opportunities. They receive training and resources from the Learning Specialist Coordinator.
In addition to receiving a stipend, Faculty members benefits greatly from the FSL Faculty Mentor program. Faculty mentors find joy in the experience of helping FSL participants evolve into a confident and competent colleague. FSL students also stimulate Faculty mentors to remain on the cutting edge in their fields while gaining a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Faculty Mentors can include their knowledge of Autism Spectrum into their instructional strategies. Finally, friendship is an evitable outcome of the FSL Faculty Mentor program, particularly as FSL students become more socially independent and more career ready.
Faculty mentors help FSL students master professional skills and ultimately "learn the ropes" of their perspective career field. FSL students develop many competencies associated with career readiness such as Critical Thinking, oral and written communication, teamwork and collaboration, leadership, professionalism, and career management. Mentees often gain the inside track on job possibilities and early opportunities for leadership and engagement in professional organizations.
Please submit your report twice a month before the Monday following your mentor sessions.