Ball State University’s Faculty Mentorship

ProgramNow in its sixth year, the Faculty Mentorship Program has served almost 200 students with disabilities. Approximately 50 faculty members from 35 academic departments volunteer to mentor SWDs. The Faculty Mentorship Program is partially funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education. The full grant is entitled, “Ensuring a Quality Education for Indiana’s Students with Disabilities” (Project # P333A080021).Faculty Engagement

is VitalThe transition to college can be especially difficult for students with disabilities. Many students with disabilities come to college less prepared for the rigors of college (Madaus, 2005). Often, students with disabilities are “over-accommodated” in high school (Smith, English, & Vasek, 2002).

Research has indicated that students who interact with faculty members get better grades, are more satisfied with their education, and are more likely to stay in school (National Survey of Student Engagement, 2006). Establishing a bond early in the student’s freshman year gives the student a sense of belonging to the university community and a better understanding of the academic expectations of the university (Light, R. 2001; Noel, L. & others, 1986; Webb, E. 1987).

Difficult Transition for SWDs

The Role of the Faculty Mentor

New SWDs are connected with a faculty member in the student’s major or area of interest. The mentor and student meet on a regular basis. The mentor will:Provide tips on how to interact with professorsServe as a friend to help with transition questionsAct as a resource person to help investigate the major and related career options

ResultsHigher GPAsMore credit hours earnedGreater use of campus resourcesHigher retention rates

Educational Development for Faculty and Staff

Local and national experts help campus educators understand best practices and current research in teaching students with disabilities.Provide tips on teaching students with different disability typesIntroduce and give examples on how to include universal design in the classroomHow to mentor SWDs

ResultsIncreased comfort levels of working with SWDsBetter informed faculty and staffHigher success rates for SWDs in classes taught by mentors

Benefits of Attempting a Faculty Mentorship ProgramMentoring is important for all students, especially SWDFosters collaboration across unitsGreater awareness in departments about disability services

Roger Wessel, Associate Professor of Higher Education rwessel@bsu.edu

Jacqueline Harris, Coordinator for Study Strategies and Writing, The Learning Center jroberts@bsu.edu

Larry Markle, Director of Disability Services lmarkle@bsu.edu

Taiping Ho, Professor of Criminal Justice & Criminology taipingho@bsu.edu