GENERAL INFORMATION
THE
IMAGE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
The
IMAGE Program at The University of Mississippi began in 1991 as part of
The Mississippi Alliance for Minority Participation. The Alliance,
now called The Mississippi Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation
(MLSAMP), is funded by The National Science Foundation and the eight public
universities in Mississippi. The MLSAMP was formed to address the shortfall
of scientists, engineers and mathematicians that the American workforce
faces, adversely impacting the nation's competitive posture
in the global economy. National higher education enrollment data
indicate significant under-representation of minorities among Americans
holding undergraduate and graduate degrees in all academic disciplines.
The acronym IMAGE stands for INCREASING MINORITY ACCESS TO GRADUATE EDUCATION,
and the IMAGE Program at The University of Mississippi strives to prepare
IMAGE students in science, engineering and mathematics (SEM) so that they
will be able to successfully enter graduate school after their undergraduate
studies.
IMAGE incorporates many programs designed to assist and support students
throughout their undergraduate education. The programs nurture holistic
development of IMAGE students and substantially increase the likelihood
of their pursuing a graduate research degree. A brief description
of the IMAGE Program on the UM Campus is given below.
In addition to the information below, we view IMAGE as a community of
students committed to their personal and corporate academic excellence.
The IMAGE students have formed an officially recognized student organization
at the university. Information regarding this organization can be
found by clicking on the Student IMAGE Organization link.
SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM
The High School-to-College Bridge Program helps incoming college freshmen in SEM adapt to the academic, social, and emotional pressures experienced in the transition from high school to college. The Bridge Program provides a highly structured and supportive educational experience for each student as well as personal adjustment to college life. The Bridge Program occurs during the summer after the students' high school graduation.
THE GUARANTEED 4.0
This seminar is a dynamic and motivational presentation of the principles and actions required to obtain a 4.0 grade point average. The three-step 4.0 method is practical and helps students clearly define priorities and establish realistic expectations.
IMAGE SCHOLARS
To become an IMAGE Scholar, a student must register with the IMAGE Program Office at the beginning of each semester. IMAGE students become eligible for financial support based on their GPA and participation in IMAGE activities including the steps presented in The Guaranteed 4.0 seminar. IMAGE students who meet the requirements for assistance become IMAGE Scholars.
MENTORS
Each IMAGE student is assigned a mentor and meets regularly with the mentor. Together they resolve problems that the IMAGE student encounters.
SUMMER RESEARCH EXPERIENCES
The IMAGE Program encourages IMAGE students to participate in a Summer Research Experience. Research opportunities are posted in The IMAGE Center at the beginning of the Spring Semester or as they are received.
IMAGE SEMINAR SERIES
Each student who is registered with the IMAGE Program is required to attend regularly scheduled seminars in which minority graduates will present the career paths which they chose to attain recognition in their field of SEM, or local IMAGE Students will present the result of summer or regular semester research.
IMAGE STUDENT CONFERENCES
Each year the university supports IMAGE Scholars' attendance at the annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences in February. At this meeting, the IMAGE Scholars see the newest equipment, hear scientists and engineers present results of research, and have the opportunity to participate by presenting their own research results. IMAGE also sponsors other conferences and retreats during the academic school year.
IMAGE CENTER
The IMAGE Center in Vardaman 203 provides IMAGE students a place to meet and use the computers and software available there.
IMAGE STUDY SESSIONS
Each IMAGE student has the opportunity to participate in study/coaching sessions in math, biology and chemistry (and other subjects as requested) in the IMAGE Center. The object of these sessions is to present material that will assist IMAGE students to succeed in making A's and B's in these gate-keeper courses.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
All students registered and active with the IMAGE Program are eligible to become IMAGE Scholars. IMAGE Scholars are supported financially for travel to conferences, in applying to graduate school, attending IMAGE retreats, and with stipends which are based on GPA and activity in the program.
IMAGE COMMUNITY SERVICE
Each student registered with the IMAGE Program will be required to participate in some community service activity -- either as tutors for minority students in the public school systems of the area, or as volunteers in other community activities.
NETWORKING
The IMAGE Program sponsors meetings for all SEM majors on campus. These meetings provide IMAGE Scholars with the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and students who can help them succeed at Ole Miss.
OTHER IMAGE PROGRAM ELEMENTS
An IMAGE Newsletter is published once a semester. The IMAGE Center also maintains a Test Bank and Textbook exchange.
INTERNET
IMAGE communicates mostly via email. All IMAGE students obtain an e-mail address and are instructed how to use e-mail.
Last updated on Tuesday, July 3, 2007 10:09 AM .