1. Mentoring Along the Academic Journey Valerie Davidson NSERC/HP Chair for Women in Science and Engineering

2. NSERC Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) Goals: Increase the participation of women in science & engineering Provide role models for women considering careers in these areas 5 regional chairs 50% Chair; 50% faculty role

3. ON CWSE Proposal Activities to support career planning & development – undergraduates and graduate students Work with administrators to ensure that university faculties and departments are positive environments for female students and faculty members

4. Top 4 issues identified by female scientists & engineers ( Rosser and O’Neil Lane 2002 ) Balancing work with family responsibilities (children, elderly relatives, etc.) ( 72%) Low numbers of women, isolation and lack of camaraderie/mentoring ( 23 %) Gaining credibility/respectability from peers and administrators ( 20%) Affirmative action backlash and discrimination (13%)

5. Exploring Mentoring Expectations of a mentoring relationship Mentoring models Changing the academic culture Actions for the CWSEs

6. Expectations ? Experienced and trusted advisor Challenges - new experiences/paths Support that enhances self-reflection and personal development Identify other supports that may help with challenges of academic life Networks of women in similar circumstances Specific skills training

7. Mentoring models Formal mentoring relationships e.g. mentor committees Multiple mentors (formal & informal) E-mentoring MentorNet (Carol B. Muller) Academic Career E-mentoring (2003) Graduate students, post-docs, tenure-track faculty www.MentorNet.net

8. Changing academic culture Academic expectations must align with individual aspirations for a full and complete life Need to recognise the cost of losing individuals along the academic journey

9. Actions for the CWSEs Undergraduate students Developing professional identity Career roadmaps Graduate students Career roadmaps Family balance issues Faculty Networks Family balance issues

10. Contact details Valerie Davidson School of Engineering, University of Guelph vdavidso@uoguelph.ca www.soe.uoguelph.ca/webfiles/cwse/