Culturally Aware Mentorship for Minority Graduate Students: A Strength-Based Cross-Cultural Socialization Perspective

• In Event: Highlighting the Value of Faculty and Staff Interactions for College Students

Abstract

This conceptual paper uses qualitative content analysis and draws on the existing literature to develop a strength-based model for cross-cultural socialization of minority graduate students. The model has two elements: (1) the strengths that graduate students bring with them; and (2) the role mentors play in empowering students. The model has agential properties to inform faculty, staff, administrators, and students with effective practices. This study is significant because it: (1) helps students understand how their identity shapes learning; (2) informs institutions on providing support to improve student success; (3) promotes well-being by bridging cultural gaps and enhancing cross-cultural learning and international partnerships; and (4) supports positive cross-cultural strength-based socialization experiences where students may develop their identity and express new ideas.

Author

• Shihua Chen Brazill, Montana State University