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Undergraduate Scholars Program encourages future professors

By Anna Stevens '10
December 12, 2006

Eida Berrio
Berrio
The Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP) at St. Olaf College is one of a kind. It aims to build an inclusive campus community by encouraging students of diversity to pursue graduate degrees and, ultimately, become professors at liberal arts colleges. By providing services and opportunities for participants, the USP hopes to develop strong undergraduate experiences that will make students competitive for graduate school assistantships and fellowships.

St. Olaf's Dean of Community life and Diversity Eida Berrio had the idea for the program, with a "grow our own" concept in mind.

"Graduates students are under a great deal of pressure to go on to teach or conduct research in the university setting," Berrio says. "That can make it difficult for liberal arts colleges to attract and keep a diverse faculty and staff."

Students are eligable to begin the program as early as their first year. To become a member of the program, a student first must be recommended by staff or faculty at the college. Once accepted, students may attend events offered through the program. The eventsd are open to all St. Olaf students.

Naurine Lennox
Lennox
"The events can be beneficial and interesting to any student, even if he or she is not part of the program" says Associate Professor of Social Work Naurine Lennox '64, St. Olaf's faculty diversity education coordinator.

The USP curriculum serves to inform students of the options and benefits of becoming a professor at a liberal arts college. Past activities have included a panel discussion with St. Olaf alumni in the process of becoming professors, as well as an event called "A Day in the Life of a Professor," which allowed students to see some of the responsibilities -- both in and out of the classroom -- involved with teaching at a liberal arts institution.

During their junior or senior year, students may choose to become part of the USP mentor program, which pairs them with a faculty mentor. Students work with the advisor on graduate school plans and forming a relationship of support that carries on throughout the first two years of graduate school.

Norma Reynolds
Reynolds
St. Olaf College senior Norma Reynolds '07 has been involved with the USP since her sophomore year. Although she originally was not interested in becoming a professor, Reynolds recently interviewed for the mentor program and currently is weighing the option of graduate school.

"In retrospect, a lot of the events I missed would have been very helpful now," she says. "I think the program can be interesting for anyone, but it's essential to keep on track if you're interested in becoming a professor."

Contact tom at 507-786-3970 or vogel@stolaf.edu.