-When should I sign up for the certificate program? / How long will it take to complete the requirements?
To have credit for the certificate listed on your transcript, you must have filled out the required forms no later than the start of the semester in which you plan to finish.  Beyond that, however, the requirements are designed to be relatively flexible.  The two portions that require the most scheduling are the Seminar (Bio390) offered most years in the spring, and the teaching requirement (which can be fulfilled either through a TAship in your department or through your mentorship).  A number of students have said that they found it helpful to take the seminar somewhat sooner, so that they can incorporate its ideas into their teaching.  Past students have also recommended not waiting until your final semester to complete the majority of the requirements.

-How do I choose a mentor?
If you have already taken some courses at Duke, consider faculty whose teaching style you admire, or whose course was inspiring to you.  If you know that you would like to teach at a different type of institution (i.e., small, liberal arts college), you might consider working with a faculty mentor from a nearby institution.  You can get some idea about the possibilities through the mentor list. Once you have some ideas about a mentor with whom you might like to work, speak to the program director to set up the formal arrangements. 

-How does this program relate to Preparing Future Faculty?  Which one should I pick, or should I do both?
PFF is a year-long campus-wide program in which participants take a course on teaching and faculty-life related issues, visit area institutions, and participate in a teaching mentorship.  For more information, see the Duke PFF website. 
While the certificate program and PFF provide some overlapping opportunities, there are some differences.  The conversations are university-wide, rather than biology specific.  Additionally PFF involves more structured opportunities to visit multiple area campuses.  On the other hand, the certificate program offers courses and teaching feedback geared specifically to biology-related issues (such as strategies for designing and leading lab courses).  The certificate program also has a more extensive list of biology faculty willing to serve as mentors. 
A number of students have found it helpful to participate in some or all aspects of both programs.  However, which program you choose depends on what kind of experiences you want and on what your scheduling constraints are. 

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