Dean's Award for Excellence in Mentorship

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2010 Nomination Form

Click here for information about nominating your mentor for the 2010 Mentorship Award.

A mentor is not just an educator. A mentor is a person who inspires and motivates. A mentor is committed to excellence. The Dean's Excellence in Mentorship Award recognizes full-time regular UAB faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments as mentors of graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows.

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN OUTSTANDING MENTOR

Personal Characteristics

            Demonstrates effective leadership skills
            Is enthusiastic
            Is respectful
            Is unselfish
            Is patient
            Is self confident
            Is honest
            Is flexible
            Is sensitive
            Appreciates individual differences
            Supports all trainees irrespective of their faculty affiliation

Teaching and Communication

            Is an effective communicator
            Is regarded as an excellent teacher
            Makes difficult information and concepts understandable
            Adjusts presentations to audience level
            Welcomes questions and alternative interpretations

Mentoring Characteristics

            Believes in the importance of mentoring
            Has an open door policy
            Is a careful listener
            Provides inspiration and optimism
            Balances guidance and independence
            Encourages creative thinking
            Celebrates trainee successes
            Teaches the art of critique
            Treats all trainees as colleagues
            Demonstrates ethical conduct of scholarly activity
            Understands differences among cultural, gender, and ethnic groups
            Solicits advice from other experienced mentors
            Advises trainees to seek out multiple mentors
            Promotes network building
            Serves as a role model
            Promotes personal and intellectual growth of trainees
            Provides opportunities for skills development
                        Hones communication skills, research presentations, and teaching
                        Assists with manuscript preparation
                        Directs development of grant proposals
                        Coaches people skills, leadership, and teamwork
                        Teaches non academic skills: administration, management, and budgeting
            Serves as a career advisor
                        Fosters independence
                        Supports career objectives of students and postdocs
                        Wants trainees to be successful
                        Assists trainees with identifying and securing their next career opportunity
            Stays in touch after trainees have completed their training
            Derives great satisfaction from following the successful career trajectories of previous trainees