Dear Scholars,
Happy Friday! Since our last newsletter, EXITO has been focusing on recruiting Scholars for Cohort 7. Thanks to your efforts in getting the word out, we have a great pool of applicants!
In this newsletter you will find:
- Extra support as Finals Week comes closer. Ria Nochera is EXITO's Student Support & Retention GRA. Learn more about Ria and the different ways she can support you during your finals below!
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A new opportunity to present research at the NIH DPC Virtual Symposium! Scroll down for more information. (Pro Tip: This is a great item to add to your CV/Resume!)
Finally, we want to acknowledge PSU's announced plan to return to on-campus instruction for Fall 2021. As news develops in the upcoming months, we will keep you updated on how EXITO plans to transition back into an in-person program. We know that this pandemic has taken a toll on many of us, and we reached a grim death toll earlier this week. But change is coming. As vaccines continue to roll out, we want to urge you all to please follow the recommendations and guidelines from public health experts.
As Scholars of BUILD EXITO, you are essential to the future of research and science. EXITO is here to provide the support you need to make and meet your future goals. If you need more time to get there because of Covid-19, that is okay. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us at exito@pdx.edu if you need anything. Behind this newsletter is a team of EXITO Staff, Faculty, and Mentors who are all here to support you!
Best,
The BUILD EXITO Team
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It's that time of the year Scholars! The EXITO Evaluation Team will be sending out surveys. While your participation isn't required, it is SUPER helpful! Your responses not only helps to shape the program for future Scholars, it also inform the larger research community why a program like EXITO is valuable for undergraduate students. Please support your peers and upcoming Scholars by completing these surveys.
All Scholars (Cohorts 4-6) will receive invitations to take:
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Enhance Diversity Survey; this is the yearly BUILD-wide survey sent by a UCLA-based team of evaluators. Invitations should come in the second half of February from teresa.seeman@enhancediversity.org. You will receive a $25 Amazon card by email if you complete the survey.
Juniors and Seniors (Cohort 4 & 5) in Research Labs will receive invitations to take:
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CREDIT (contributor roles) and URSSA (undergraduate research assessment) surveys – these are two short surveys designed to collect data about scholar experiences at RLCs (Research Learning Communities). These survey invitations will come from exito@pdx.edu.
Seniors (Cohort 4) at PSU will receive invitations for informal interviews (“Q-sorts”):
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One-on-one online interviews that use quotes from scholars to help you describe your experience in EXITO. It’s a fun interactive process that uses an online grid. Email invitations will come from honore@ohsu.edu. Participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.
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Last Chance Surveys
Sophomores Cohort 6 scholars who consented to the EXITO study but didn’t complete an Orientation Survey received one last reminder email last week. Likewise, Juniors and Seniors/Cohort 4 and 5 scholars that did not complete a YASS (Yearly Academic Scholar Survey) also received a last reminder.
Less than half of the people invited to take the Orientation surveys responded – we really need more respondents so these surveys can be useful when sharing EXITO data with the NIH and other stakeholders.
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Again, your responses and participation in these surveys are crucial in allowing EXITO to continue providing research experience and resources for current and future scholars! Please help us by checking your inboxes and completing those surveys.
Thank you Scholars!
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Prep for Finals with Ria Nochera! |
Ria (she/hers) has worked as an academic coach at PSU since September 2019. During this time, she has seen the student experience evolve drastically and with it, student resilience. However, nuanced issues with motivation seem to persist for many... This is where coaching can come in handy! Coaching sessions provide the opportunity for a student to reflect on and enhance their approach to learning. This could include study strategies, time management techniques, creative solutions to procrastination, or just more organized to-do lists. Speaking of which...
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Favorite study tip: Don't put anything on your "to do" list that takes longer than 30 minutes. Try to break large tasks down into smaller steps.
Upcoming Opportunity: Consider joining one of the Learning Center's How to Study group sessions that combine subject matter with study skills. A great investment for increased academic proficiency!
Ria Nochera
Student Support and Retention GRA, BUILD EXITO
Master Level Mentor, CRLA
Masters in Social Work Student, PSU
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Cohort 6 Trainee Application Support Video |
Applications for Phase 2 Trainee Scholars opens next Monday March 1st!
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Submit applications by Monday March 8, 2021
Calling all NIH BUILD Scholars and Trainees! Present your scientific work to the Diversity Program Consortium's vast biomedical research community. There are two opportunities to present your research: Digital Poster Hall (symposium website) and Live Poster Presentations (small groups with mentor feedback).
This is a great opportunity to present your research and connect with Scholars and Faculty from other BUILD sites. You can even use previous posters submitted for EXITO!
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Don't forget about Writing/Application Support hosted by the Enrichment Team on Tuesdays from 4pm - 5:30pm (Pacific Time) for Writing and Application Support!
If any of the following applies to you, definitely utilize this space and the expertise of the Enrichment Facilitators, Enrichment Specialists, and Peer Mentors!
- Applying to programs (like the EXITO Traineeship!), jobs, scholarships, grants, internships, etc.
- Thinking about applying, searching for programs/jobs, deciding which ones to apply to
- Writing documents for your professional portfolio: resume, CV, personal statement, statement of purpose or interest, cover letter, work samples.
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Upcoming Events and Opportunities:
Friday March 12 from 10:30am-1:00pm PST
Are you thinking of applying to the M.D. program at OHSU? Have you already graduated from college and no longer have access to a pre-med or pre-health advisor? The OHSU School of Medicine is here to help! Medical education at OHSY puts students at the forefront of health care knowledge. The M.D. program is highly competitive and prepares students to be leaders in a changing health care system.
Application due Saturday May 1, 2021
The EAGLES STEM Program is a collaboration between Portland State University and Heritage University designed to guide and support scholars through their academic journey. Scholars receive financial assistance, advising, & research opportunities to achieve graduation. Scholars earn degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics) majors, including: Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science/Studies.
Check out Dr. Leavitt's course, Health Professional as Agents of Change! Dr. Leavitt has worked with EXITO and has the following to share about her course, "This course is perfect for Scholars that are working additional hours above and beyond at their RLC sites. I have had several scholars in the past either take on a side project with their RLC or work extra hours without pay. Since both of these options are considered 'volunteer', the hours count as their community-based learning hours capstone requirement and they won't need to volunteer with another organization, as required with other capstones."
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If you know of any upcoming events and/or opportunities you think the EXITO Community should know please send us an email, exito@pdx.edu. Thank You!
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What We're Reading and Listening to:
Read this OHSU article about how a COVID-19 community testing site in Northeast Portland is building trust in science as a vehicle to improve people's lives. (A great read - especially for Public Health Scholars!)
Listen to this NPR Short Wave Podcast episode (13 min). Some of the most prestigious scientists in history advanced racist and eugenicist views, but that is rarely mentioned in textbooks. Maddie and Emily speak with science educators about how to broaden science education. (For Cohort 6 Scholars, these stories may help you generate some thoughts for your Trainee Application!)
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Just a friendly reminder, Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) and National Research Mentoring Networking (NRMN) are part of the EXITO experience for Scholars and Alumni! These programs are full of resources and opportunities. |
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For Scholars at PSU, check out the various resources on campus below:
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For non-PSU campuses, review your college/university resource centers and mentors to learn what support is available.
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HAVE CONTENT TO SHARE?
If you have a story, event, or opportunity you are interested in sharing with the EXITO community, contact us! Email exito@pdx.edu.
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Thanks for reading through the newsletter! If you made it this far, enjoy these fun Travel Oregon animated shorts. |
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