Riding the Academic Freedom Train: A Culturally Responsive, Multigenerational Mentoring Model

Mentoring is crucial for student retention and academic career development, especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and first-generation students. This book provides a proven and holistic model of mentoring practice developed in psychology that helps mentees navigate their studies and the academy, validates their cultural roots and contributions, and attends to their personal development. It also addresses the demands of mentoring on busy faculty and offers ways to distribute the work, invite White and BIPOC faculty to participate, develop mentees' capacities to mentor those that follow them, build a network of mentoring across generations, and adopt group mentoring. The book is intended for faculty interested in undertaking mentoring, supporting minoritized students and faculty, and creating Freedom Train communities and networks.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 406 pages
Publication date: 21 June 2022
Publisher: Stylus Publishing

Mentoring is a powerful tool that significantly enhances the retention of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as plays a crucial role in shaping and nurturing academic careers. In the face of the growing diversity of the student body and faculty ranks, there is an urgent need for culturally responsive mentoring that addresses the unique needs and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and first-generation students.

Despite the low priority historically given to mentoring in academia, this book presents a comprehensive and holistic model of mentoring practice developed in the field of psychology. This model not only assists mentees in navigating their studies and the academy but also provides them with an understanding of the systemic and racist barriers they will encounter. It validates their cultural roots and contributions and attends to their personal development.

Recognizing the demands that mentoring places on already busy faculty, the model addresses strategies for distributing the work, inviting White and BIPOC faculty to participate, developing mentees' capacities to mentor those that follow them, building a network of mentoring across generations, and adopting group mentoring. Intentionally planned and implemented, the model becomes self-perpetuating, creating an intergenerational cadre of mentors who can meet the growing and ongoing needs of the BIPOC community.

The book begins with a review of the relevant research on effective mentoring, as well as chapters that offer minority students' perspectives on what has worked for them, along with reflections by faculty mentors. The core of the book describes the Freedom Train model developed by Dr. Joseph White, the godfather of Black psychology, which outlines the principles and processes that inform the Multiracial/Multiethnic/Multicultural (M/ME/M) mentoring approach.

The M/ME/M mentoring model is designed to foster a sense of belonging, cultural competence, and academic success among BIPOC students. It emphasizes the importance of building relationships based on trust

- trust, respect, and empathy;
- shared experiences and perspectives;
- a commitment to social justice and equity;
- a focus on personal growth and development;
- a commitment to academic excellence.

The model also emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where mentees can feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It encourages mentors to provide guidance and guidance in a culturally responsive and affirming manner that recognizes the unique challenges and barriers faced by BIPOC students.

In addition to the M/ME/M mentoring model, the book offers practical strategies for implementing mentoring programs in higher education institutions. It discusses the importance of building a diverse and inclusive mentoring team that reflects the diversity of the student body and faculty ranks

- developing effective recruitment and retention strategies for mentees and mentors;
- providing training and professional development opportunities for mentors and mentees;
- addressing the challenges of mentoring in online and hybrid learning environments;
- addressing the challenges of mentoring in rural and underserved communities;
- addressing the challenges of mentoring in LGBTQ+ communities.

The book concludes with a call to action for higher education institutions to prioritize mentoring as an integral part of their commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. It emphasizes the importance of investing in mentoring programs that are designed to meet the unique needs and experiences of BIPOC students and that are led by faculty members who are committed to social justice and equity.

In conclusion, mentoring is a powerful tool that has the potential to transform the lives of BIPOC students and faculty members alike. By providing mentees with the support, guidance, and validation they need to succeed, we can help break down the systemic and racist barriers that have historically prevented them from achieving their full potential. By prioritizing mentoring as an integral part of our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can create a more just and equitable higher education system that prepares all students for success in an increasingly diverse and complex world.

Weight: 281g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642673531