University of Virginia
University of Virginia
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

 
What is the Virginia-North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (VA-NC LSAMP)?
It is a National Science Foundation funded program whose goal is to double the number of underrepresented minorities graduating in the STEM disciplines. Eight colleges and universities have formed an alliance to partner in this endeavor, and they will provide enhancement activities which will support students in their pursuit of STEM degrees, thus recruiting and retaining more students in these fields. Increasing the numbers of underrepresented minority students who earn degrees in the STEM fields will diversify the pool of qualified graduates who are well-prepared to pursue graduate school in STEM fields and careers.

Which colleges and universities are involved in this alliance?

  • Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, NC
  • Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC
  • George Mason University in Fairfax, VA
  • Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC
  • St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC
  • University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA
  • Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA

When did this program start? How long will it last?
The NSF award was granted to VA-NC LSAMP in May of 2007 and is funded through 2012.

What is the range of AMP activities in which students can participate?
Each institution will provide specific activities geared to the particular needs of its students. Listed below are some of the activities that are available to students from the eight participating institutions.

  • Common reading experiences
    Students have the opportunity to read STEM related literature and discuss material with their peers and faculty.
  • Peer/faculty mentoring
    Faculty and peer mentors provide individualized support to students. We are developing training materials for mentors.
  • Tutoring
    All of the partner institutions provide tutoring services for Alliance students.
  • Web site blog
    Through the VA-NC LSAMP web site students can communicate with their counterparts at partner institutions and learn from each other's experiences.
  • Annual symposium
    This will be an annual event which rotates between the partner institutions in which all students from each of the schools can convene for a unique learning opportunity.
  • Workshops and colloquia
    Scientists and researchers will present colloquiums.
  • Internships
    Internships will be an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in their field of study, experience real world applications of their knowledge, and see future employment possibilities.
  • Summer research experiences
    Engagement in summer research experiences will give students opportunities to work with faculty on research projects.
  • Summer BRIDGE
    Summer BRIDGE aids fist-semester freshmen in making a successful transition from high school to college. The program provides an academic curriculum, access to student support services, and an environment in which students can acclimate to campus and develop effective academic strategies. Bridge programs also exist for students transferring from community colleges. At some Alliance institutions the Bridge programs take place during the first year of college.

How does an undergraduate student benefit from AMP?
AMP can provide support during the undergraduate years to facilitate successful completion of the STEM degree program. Participation connects students with faculty and provides opportunities to become acquainted with STEM professionals thereby developing professional networks. Students are also advised regarding graduate study opportunities and enrollment.

Are there financial benefits to joining this program?
Each institution determines what specific financial support it can provide to participating students. Often there are funds available for book stipends, research, or travel.

How does a student qualify for participation in VA-NC LSAMP?

You must be an underrepresented minority undergraduate student majoring or intending to major in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering or mathematics). According to the National Science Foundation underrepresented minorities in these majors include: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Americans.

What majors are considered STEM disciplines?
The AMP contact person at each college or university can identify which of the majors listed by NSF are offered at your institution.

Is there latitude within AMP to expand the definition of STEM majors?
The NSF is considering this question and will make the determination shortly.

Why should anyone consider joining this program?
The STEM disciplines can be intensive and challenging. The experience of being an underrepresented minority in these classes may feel isolating. The program can help you connect with other students. The program offers services that can help support you with your coursework, find internships and summer research opportunities and develop a professional network.

When can an interested person join the program?
Many students enter as freshmen or first year students. Students also enter as transfer students from community colleges or enter the program after switching majors.

How long can someone participate in the program?
If you continue in a major in the STEM disciplines you can participate in the program for your entire undergraduate career. The advising and mentoring possibilities available to you through the program will be an asset as you plan for graduate school or employment.

Will students meet some of their counterparts involved in AMP activities from the other institutions?
Yes! We will be holding annual symposia which will be an opportunity to meet AMP students from the other institutions. Summer research may afford this opportunity also.

As a third year/junior I am considering switching from a BA in English to a BS in Statistics. Is it too late for me to participate in AMP activities?
Make contact with the person for AMP at the participating institution to set up a time to discuss coursework that has been completed thus far, the intentions for switching majors, and reasons for interest in AMP. That person will help determine whether participation in AMP is feasible.

I recently transferred to one of the alliance institutions from my local community college where I was majoring in a STEM discipline. Will I be eligible to participate in AMP activities?
Contact the person who coordinates AMP at the new institution to set up a time to discuss the coursework completed thus far and your interest in AMP. The program is designed to accommodate transfer students!

Will my advisor be familiar with AMP opportunities?
Not necessarily. It may depend on whether or not the advisor has had prior experience with AMP. Five of the institutions in our alliance have participated in a prior AMP, so advisors at these schools are more likely to be familiar with the program. The contact person for AMP for your institution may know if your advisor is familiar, and if not, he or she can certainly communicate with your advisor about AMP.

What type of support do mentors receive so that they can effectively support students?
Training materials are currently being developed to cultivate mentors' skills.

If someone is not strong academically in mathematics but has a knack for biology and computer science, can AMP activities help them identify an appropriate major?
Yes! The AMP contact person for your institution can discuss with you your interests and abilities then point you towards a suitable advisor. Participation in poster sessions, mentoring opportunities, common reading experiences and annual symposia will help you reflect on whether your proposed course of study is appropriate for you.

With students who are struggling with some of the requirements for a STEM major is there tutoring support they can receive?
Yes, all of our alliance institutions offer tutoring. Contact the person at the participating institution to inquire about tutoring services. We want all of our students to succeed!

Which courses typically hinder students' persistence in the STEM disciplines?
Math (Calculus) in engineering schools can be a struggle. Chemistry is often the difficult course in pre-med. AMP can provide support for students. Tutoring, mentoring, summer research experiences and lab opportunities help support students. These opportunities provide engagement with the material which helps students experience the application and purpose of their studies beyond coursework. It is not simply that students don't succeed in the coursework, often they do, but they can lose interest during these tough gateway courses.

Why should someone consider doing summer research?
Undergraduates who participate in summer research achieve higher academic success than those who do not and are more likely to pursue graduate school.

Why should anyone consider going to graduate school?
Many more job opportunities in the STEM fields will be available to you with a graduate school degree. Also, some of you will become the next generation of professors. We want to diversify the STEM fields including the professoriate.

Will AMP activities help a student find a job after graduation?
As an AMP student you will have the opportunity to develop professional networks through internships and summer research which will be an asset during your job search.

What internships are available?
An updated list of internships within industry or at alliance institutions will be made available as these opportunities are developed.

Who does someone contact in order to do a summer internship, or present a paper at a colloquium?
Contact the person listed at the participating institution that is sponsoring the opportunity for additional information about how to proceed.

Are there mechanisms in the grant to help tailor the activities towards individual institutions or individual students?
Yes! Each participating college or university has different strengths and weaknesses which have been assessed during the NSF application process. Annually, each school will be evaluated as to the effectiveness of their deliverables. The needs of individual students will be identified and addressed through faculty mentorship, peer mentoring and tutoring.

Who oversees the programs at the individual institutions?
There are links available on our web site for the contact information of the program coordinators at each institution. There is also a link called "About the PIs" which provides biographical information about the principal investigator for each school.

Why should anyone pursue a career in the STEM professions?
Career opportunities exist in the academic, clinical and industrial arenas with rewards including personal achievements, high value to society, the excitement of innovation and competitive salaries.

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