Abstract
Graduate assistants fulfill many roles and functions within the university setting. The partnership formed with supervisors is critical for mutual development and implementation of programs, building professionalism and student confidence. Supervisors provide many opportunities through coaching, sponsoring and connector roles. Intentional collaboration maximizes best practices supporting graduate student leadership development.
Author Biography
Dr. Shirley O’Brien, OTR/L, FAOTA, is a Foundation Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at Eastern Kentucky University. She serves as a Faculty coordinator of the EKU Colonels Mentoring Colonels Program. Her research interests are in pedagogy, students-as-partners and autism spectrum disorders.
Bethany Wheatley, OTS, is a graduate occupational therapy student at Eastern Kentucky University and a Graduate Assistant for the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy. She co-coordinated the Colonels Mentoring Colonels Program.
Elizabeth Hannon, is the Associate Director of Residential Curriculum and LLCs at Eastern Kentucky University Housing and Residential Life area. She serves as a Staff Coordinator of the EKU Colonels Mentoring Colonels Program. Her research interests are in student development and students-as-partners.
Olivia Lauer, OTS, is a graduate occupational therapy student at Eastern Kentucky University and a Graduate Assistant in EKU Housing and Residential Life. As a Graduate Assistant, she coordinates EKU’s Colonels Mentoring Colonels Program.
Author's Notes
Thank you to Kaitlyn Palmer, MS, OTR/L, for her vision and Lisa Mendenhall for supporting the development of the EKU Colonels Mentoring Colonels program. We express our appreciation to the voluntary participants for their assistance with this project and to Eastern Kentucky University for their support and guidance throughout the journey, bringing together student services and academics.
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Since March 19, 2021
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Developing Student Leadership Opportunities through Mentoring
Graduate assistants fulfill many roles and functions within the university setting. The partnership formed with supervisors is critical for mutual development and implementation of programs, building professionalism and student confidence. Supervisors provide many opportunities through coaching, sponsoring and connector roles. Intentional collaboration maximizes best practices supporting graduate student leadership development.
