Despite being considered a successful program by many professors, the Pre-Doctoral Scholars Institute will not return next year following a loss of funding.
Dr. Marco Barker, PDSI co-director, said the University’s Budget Committee cut PDSI due to the shortage of money available for Level Two programs.
The University is divided in a three level system, categorizing services and programs based on relevance to teaching and the academic core of the University.
Level One consists of Facility Services and student support services, programs that are not directly related to the academic core. Level Two consists of student support activities and library services, programs that underline the core. Level Three programs consist of the academic core.
Though funding for the program has been eliminated for the next financial year, PDSI has successfully attracted minority students who would not otherwise consider attending LSU.
PDSI is a month-long summer research and preparation program allowing students to explore doctoral studies.
The University recently wrapped up its 2010 PDSI session. Students, faculty mentors and directors gathered at the program’s symposium and closing ceremony to celebrate the completion of the rigorous program. Students also presented research they conducted throughout the month.
“As the University moves forward with Flagship 2020: Transforming Lives through Diversity, Learning, Discovery and Civic Engagement, we hope that PDSI has been seen as assisting in that regard and being able to interweave all four areas of the agenda,” Barker said.
“PDSI is intended to give students from underrepresented populations added motivation and additional skills,” he said.
“Students who participate in PDSI already have an interest in going to graduate school and pursuing a Ph.D. We provide them a map and resources to get there. We just hope that their road to the Ph.D. completes at LSU.”
Jasmine Walker, Alabama A&M political science senior, said she participated in PDSI because she wanted to explore the LSU campus and learn about the doctoral degree program.
Walker conducted research on the effects of race and gender on campaign financing. She said her faculty mentor helped her decipher data.
“My mentor was very helpful throughout this program. Because of her, I discovered that I wanted to concentrate on political theory,” Walker said.
Faculty mentors met with students weekly and advised them on how to prepare and succeed in graduate school.
“The program gives the students an inside view and direct experience with graduate school,” said Janna Oetting, communication science and disorders professor. “We invest a lot of time helping these students with their research skills, and we’d love for them to attend LSU so that they can continue with their chosen area.”
Aside from the research projects, students participated in workshops, seminars and activities. Workshops focused on stress management, leadership, learning styles and research design, writing and presentation. Students also had the opportunity to complete GRE practice tests and tutorials throughout the summer.
“A Ph.D. allows one to contribute on many levels, including writing and research with potential to influence practice and policy in one’s area,” said Dr. Amy Copeland, associate psychology professor. “It allows one to teach at a university level and mentor doctoral students, which also provides a platform to distribute information to a large number of individuals.”
PDSI has prepared students for the competitive graduate school application process, Oetting said.
“For some students, we have facilitated their entrance into LSU, and for others, we have placed them closer to their goals of obtaining a graduate degree,” Barker said.
——
Contact T.N. “King” at [email protected]