The Graduate School, working with the GBS theme directors, the MSTP, and the Office of Postdoctoral Education, has organized training sessions for graduate students, postdocs and other trainees to begin an IDP, using the MyIDP website (https://myidp.sciencecareers.org).  Over the past two months, we have held several IDP training sessions for graduate students and postdocs.  Theme and program directors are responsible for assuring and documenting IDP instruction and participation. Evidence of IDP use includes documented attendance at IDP training sessions or provision of a screenshot of a myIDP Summary Personal Information page. As of October 1, 2014, most new and current GBS students and about 30% of current postdoctoral fellows have attended one of these training sessions and/or have started an IDP; IDP training will be incorporated into all future trainee orientations, beginning in Oct. 2014.  Individual programs may have requirements for additional IDP training activities and/or IDP inclusion in student committee meetings. Dr. Jeffrey Engler, Interim Dean of the Graduate School, is keeping a list of those students who have attended a training session, in case NIH decides to audit our compliance. 

Trainees’ reaction to these IDP sessions has generally been favorable.  In the sessions, we have encouraged the trainees to revisit their IDP plans every 3 to 6 months.  We have also encouraged them to share their IDP with their mentors, their committee members, the theme directors, and anyone else who could help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their career goals.