Institutional (T32) NIH-Funded Fellowships
Evaluation

The Training Committee sets general policy, but most training issues fall to the individual faculty mentors to decide. Each faculty mentor has the role of overseeing the specific goals of the trainee. Specific training objectives are formulated at the beginning of the fellowship with mentors. Evaluation is based on a competency-based format which emphasizes acquisition of specific skills and/or research abilities. Training objectives are achieved through an apprenticeship model where the fellow works closely with a faculty mentor in conducting research. The faculty mentor serves as primary supervisor and role model, and the close supervisory relationship permits the fellow to develop research skills as well as role identity.

Fellows and their primary mentors draw up a competency-based evaluation format at the beginning of each fellowship year. These goals are reviewed and approved by the Director and/or Associate Director of the program. Evaluations occur midway and at the end of each fellowship year. Fellows are also required to evaluate their faculty mentors and the program twice each fellowship year. It is the fellow's and his/her mentor's responsibility to ensure that these evaluations are completed in a timely fashion. Fellows should be engaged in an open, ongoing dialogue with their supervisors regarding their progress. Fellows also have the right to appeal any evaluation they have received.