Students and faculty within the international relations (IR) department at Tufts have begun to review the effectiveness of the department's recent advising program, which has been developing and evolving since the beginning of the spring semester.
The program called for senior mentors to assist freshmen students interested in IR with coursework and to better acquaint them with the opportunities available to them through the department.
Political science Professor Malik Mufti and political science department Chair Vickie Sullivan created the program primarily to address the feedback from Tufts students.
"We started it because in the past year we've solicited feedback from our students from a variety of venues," Mufti said.
The need for a senior student's advice was "most consistent in their responses" according to Mufti.
The breadth and popularity of the department also prompted the development of the senior mentor program. With so many students involved, senior mentors have assisted IR faculty to better instruct lower classmen.
"It helps to identify interests [of the freshmen students] so we can think proactively about what opportunities to channel their way," Mufti said.
Freshmen interested in IR at Tufts have taken advantage of the opportunity to receive advice from seniors.
"I think the IR mentoring
program is great" said freshman Katrina Pabon. "I feel like I can turn to someone who can help me, whether it be for IR class or scheduling classes for the IR major."
Some sophomores and juniors have also said they have benefited from the senior mentor program. Although geared towards freshmen, the program is outfitted for all students.
"It's all about interest," Mufti said. "We don't see it as a rigid senior-freshman thing."
In addition, some seniors have said that they are equally enthusiastic about the opportunities the new mentor program provides.
"I've received many e-mails and phone calls and ... given good advice for classes and internships," senior Paxon Sinsangkeo said. "It's been a good experience in terms of making contacts with underclassmen."
The opportunity to network benefits both senior mentors and students involved in the new program.
"The program is part of a broader effort to create a community of Tufts students and alumni," Mufti said.
Another aspect of the mentoring and advising program is that graduating seniors may be able to better connect with other students in their major.
"There have been a few luncheons amongst the mentors, both in terms of shaping the IR program, as well as connecting with Fletcher students," said Sinsangkeo.
According to Mufti, the new advising program should also increase competition for awards and fellowship opportunities available within the IR department.
"Senior mentors help to identify students at an earlier stage," Mufti said. "We don't want to wait until two weeks before [applications]. Freshmen can now better take advantage of the scholarly recognition available through the IR department."
Pabon said that, through the program, she has become more aware of her resources.
Overall, there is much enthusiasm over the success of the program. "It's one of our newest initiatives," Mufti said. "[Now,] other projects are in the works."
Both faculty and students within the IR department have said that they project that the advisory program will prove equally successful in coming years.
"While [the program is still in its] first year, things are looking good for the future," Sinsangkeo said. "Hopefully the mentorship program created a strong foundation for next semester."
