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Ernest E. Just Society |  |
Xavier University - Cincinnati, OH - Mission, Admissions
Description:
The goal of the society is to assist students of African descent majoring in the sciences with their quest to achieve academic and intellectual excellence. Each month members meet to discuss areas of research, enhance study skills, and build camaraderie within the society. Guest speakers are also invited to expose students to professionals of color in the sciences. Students also have faculty mentors, experience peer-to-peer grooming and attend weekly supplemental instruction sessions.
The program works in collaboration with the Department of Biology, the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Physics, the Department of Nursing, Student Support Services, Academic Advising, the Learning Assistance Center, and the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
History:
The Ernest E. Just Society was founded in 2004 as a collaboration between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Department of Biology. The Departments of Chemistry and physics joined later to complete the spectrum of sciences at Xavier University.
This organization develops scholars of African descent majoring in the sciences and insures their successful retention by fostering an intellectual community that promotes academic excellence.
Students attend weekly peer-facilitated study sessions led by faculty and meet once a month to discuss areas of research, enhance study skills and build camaraderie. A mentor relationship develops between faculty and students, as well as among peers. Science professionals of color are invited to address Society members as guest lecturers and workshop facilitators. Collaboration and community building are at the heart of the Ernest E. Just Society. Students who are committed to the Society do so voluntarily and, in return, they improve their quality of life while attending Xavier University. In addition, we aim to assist students with graduate school preparation or becoming a scientist or teacher. Since 2005-2006, it was expanded to incorporate students and faculty in the Chemistry, Nursing, and Physics Departments and the active involvement of the Learning Assistance Center, Academic Advising, and Student Support Services.
Program Goals:
The goal of the society is to assist students of African descent majoring in the sciences with their quest to achieve academic excellence.
The Ernest E. Just Society was founded in 2004 as a collaboration between the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Department of Biology. The Departments of Chemistry and physics joined later to complete the spectrum of sciences at Xavier University. This organization develops scholars of African descent majoring in the sciences and insures their successful retention by fostering an intellectual community that promotes academic excellence. Students attend weekly peer-facilitated study sessions led by faculty and meet once a month to discuss areas of research, enhance study skills and build camaraderie.
A mentor relationship develops between faculty and students, as well as among peers. Science professionals of color are invited to address Society members as guest lecturers and workshop facilitators. Collaboration and community building are at the heart of the Ernest E. Just Society. Students who are committed to the Society do so voluntarily and, in return, they improve their quality of life while attending Xavier University. In addition, we aim to assist students with graduate school preparation or becoming a scientist or teacher. Since 2005-2006, it was expanded to incorporate students and faculty in the Chemistry, Nursing, and Physics Departments and the active involvement of the Learning Assistance Center, Academic Advising, and Student Support Services.
Program Layout:
The program includes peer-facilitated, structured study group sessions for General Biology courses; Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions for General Chemistry and organic Chemistry courses; weekly, structured, cohort-study groups for biology, chemistry and physics lecture and lab courses, panel discussions concerning current topics of interest in natural science, biographical presentations and discussions of notable scientists of African descent, both past and present. As well as regional and local field trips that focus on African Americans in the health care industry. Beginning in the fall of 2007, the society will employ a part-time "student manager" position that will oversee its day-to-day operations. Students meet once a month (sometimes twice) to discuss areas of research, enhance intellectual and study skills and build camaraderie. They have access to science professionals and physicians of color who serve as mentors and role models, take science-related field trips, and receive specialized advising.
Evaluation
Faculty report higher test and quiz scores on the part of regular study session participants, as well as greater frequency of student/faculty interations. Students report high satisfaction with their program.
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