| Community of Scholars Program
 Program Description
Based in the Graduate School, the Community of Scholars Program (COSP) works towards creating an institutional environment that supports the academic and professional success of graduate students who have historically been under-represented in academia. COSP assists students (US citizens and permanent residents) to more fully participate in the University; develop supportive relationships with advisors and mentors; build a sense of community through academic seminars and professional development workshops; and connect
students to the Twin Cities community through research, teaching and civic engagement opportunities.
 Summer Institute
The COSP Summer Institute provides seven weeks of research opportunity for newly admitted graduate students. Priority is given to recipients of University fellowships. In addition to conducting research, students attend weekly seminars on issues pertinent to the graduate experience. As part of participating in the Institute, participants mentor or tutor junior high school students during the spring semester of the first year.
Travel Grants
Grants of up to $1,000 per student are provided to support travel to conduct research that will facilitate completion of the thesis or dissertation. Grants also support travel for students who are invited to present at major conferences in their field of study. Priority is given to students who have secured partial funding from other sources. All travel grant recipients participate in an annual research poster symposium to showcase their work to the University community.
 Workshops
Several workshops are scheduled throughout the academic year focusing on academic and professional development. Topics include grant and dissertation writing, preparing publications, job search processes and effective interviewing for academia and industry.
Monthly Lunch Forums
Monthly lunch forums are held focusing on specific topics related to experiences of graduate students. Topics include finding a niche within the academic discipline, communicating effectively with the faculty mentor and keeping momentum to complete the degree, to name a few.
 Civic Engagement
COSP provides program participants with opportunities to serve as mentors and tutors at Twin Cities schools and youth-serving organizations. Through group and individual activities, COSP participants encourage youth to finish high school and to attend college. Organizations with which COSP participants have been involved include El Colegio, Al-Amal Islamic School, La Opportunidad, YMCA and Multicultural Excellence Program (St. Paul Public Schools). COSP students also serve as mentors to U of MN freshmen through the President’s Distinguished Faculty Mentor Program.
Adjunct Faculty Positions in the Twin Cities
Through collaborations with Century College, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Augsburg College and Northwestern College, COSP students can apply for adjunct faculty positions while completing their doctoral degrees. All COSP adjunct faculty participate in monthly seminars focusing on best practices in teaching and learning.
Mentoring and Counseling
Students can request faculty mentors from within or outside the University, community leaders or individuals from industry to guide and support their career choices. Individual academic and personal counseling is also available by appointment.
On-line Directory
To encourage networking among students, an on-line directory allows COSP participants to search for other members by degree pursued, academic discipline, research interests and hometown. The directory will be available fall semester 2009.
Noro Andriamanalina, Ph.D.
Director of Academic and Professional Development
The Graduate School & Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
331 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-4546 612-625-6002--fax
E-mail: andri002@umn.edu
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