GOALS

1. To assist all newly appointed Category 1 and 4 scientists attain standards of performance that will enhance their opportunity for success within ARS. 
2. To ensure fairness and equity in evaluating professional scientific development.

SCOPE

The Newly Appointed Scientist Professional Development Program (NASPDP) provides a 3-year period to enhance a newly appointed scientist’s transition into an ARS scientific position and to carefully monitor and evaluate their progress.  This program covers all newly appointed Category 1 and 4 scientists, thereafter referred to as new scientists  [including research leaders (RL)] within the Northern Plains Area (NPA).  It includes all individuals hired under either merit or demonstration program authority and irrespective of their probationary status. 

Click on the following links for more information (documents in MS Word unless otherwise noted):

• Professional Development Program Information Letter
• Getting Started
• Checking-in Topics
• Mentoring Handbook
• Results of Survey on the Mentoring Component: May 2006 (MS PowerPoint)
• Executive Summary - NASPDP Mentoring Survey Results - Summer 2007 (Acrobat)
• 2007 Mentors of the Year

User-friendly URL of this page:  http://www.ars.usda.gov/npamentoring