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October 16, 2003
ULM Emerging Scholars and Mentors Recognized for Participation in Program
A select group of students and faculty from the University of Louisiana at Monroe was recognized at noon today for their participation in the new "Emerging Scholars" mentoring program. The program is a way for ULM students and faculty members to advance their knowledge in the sciences, humanities, and the arts through a mentoring relationship. A luncheon in their honor was held in the University Conference Center on the 7th floor of the ULM Library.
ULM President James Cofer was the keynote speaker. He told the
participants, "You have grasped the very spirit of the academy
colleagues working together to question, search, and discover.
You questioned nature's violence with projects on hailstorms,
supercell thunderstorms, and tornadoes. You have searched human
understanding with the Tennessee Williams Journal, studies on
child abuse and neglect, and a project on the ethics of corporate
employees. And you have discovered more about how to help patients
with depression, how to sign electronic documents, and how to
prevent youth violence.
With projects that analyzed how students choose what they
study and whether they use alcohol, you have even produced results
that will immediately help students right here at ULM."
Cofer also told his audience today that "Emerging Scholars
is not just a program to participate in while at ULM; rather
he said using your talents to seek the truth is a calling; a
way of life.
"We live in a culture that counsels leisure, but you have
chosen not to squander or bury your talents. And that's ultimately
why we're here today. Everyone has talents, but not everyone
makes full use of those talents. Because giving your best is
hard work. And not just one day of hard work, but weeks, months,
years, and decades. I challenge each of you not to forget this
experience; I challenge you to make the most of your gifts in
the service of truth."
The program began last spring with the first students and mentors
working together on research, learning and building lasting professor-student
relationships. Professors and students both agreed the program
was a success and from there, "Emerging Scholars" began
to grow. The purpose of the "Emerging Scholars" program
is to provide professional experience for undergraduate students
while engaging them in college life as early as possible. Students
who sign up will participate in a project mentored by a faculty
member.
There were over 100 students acknowledged for their participation
in the Emerging Scholars program, including those from this semester
and last spring. The "Emerging Scholars" opportunity
is available to freshman and sophomores who will receive a $400
stipend.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Carlos Fandal said,
"We are proud of the students and faculty who are involved.
The merits of getting our students and faculty involved outside
the classroom are great. For students, they gain first hand knowledge
from a mentor and some extra money. For faculty, the one-on-one
relationship with a student will allow them to personally see
the student grow and learn as a young adult and a scholar."
"It is also important to make students aware early in their
higher education experience that learning and personal growth
happens all around them all the time- not just in the classroom.
This opportunity broadens what many freshmen may think of the
university experience. Once involved, they will see that learning
is not just about cramming for a test or not having a social
life in lieu of studying. Instead, learning from a mentoring
relationship affords them a sense of accountability to themselves
and their mentor. Maybe no one else would notice, but a mentor
might recognize if the student isn't getting enough rest, is
stressed out, or just needs to talk. In this way, a one-on-one
student-mentor relationship is invaluable."
If you would like more information on the Emerging Scholars
program, or would like to be involved, please contact any ULM
Dean.
Find this and other ULM News at http://www.ulm.edu.
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