What is Mentorship?

Mentorship is a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.

What does a mentor do for you?

• Takes a long-range view on your growth and development
• Helps you see the destination but does not give you the detailed map to get there
• Offers encouragement and cheerleading, but not “how to” advice

Why should I have a mentor?

• Gallup-Purdue index suggest that life in college matters for life AFTER college
• More engaged and involved at during college and after
• Increases the likelihood of graduating with a degree that suits you
• Helps with your academic performance
• Assists in professional skill development
• Offers networking possibilities
• Reduced stress and role conflict in college and after

 

Advising vs. Mentoring: What’s the difference?

Role of Academic Advisors:

• Aid students in developmental transitions (i.e., high school to college)
• Assist students in crating their curriculum plans, including review of academic performance
• Clarify the program/curriculum requirements
• Assist students with understanding academic policies and procedures
• Introduce students to resources for academic and career success
• Inform students about opportunities for internships, practicums, experitnal learning, study abroad, undergraduate research
• Clarify the purpose and roles within the Advising and Mentoring Model
• Maintain notes on each advising appointment in SCC
• Participate in ongoing training and development
• Role of Faculty Mentors
• Establish a Mentor-Student Relationship
• Discuss students’ personal educational and career goals and opportunities
• Guide students in selecting internships, practicums, experiential learning, undergraduate research, and study abroad as appropriate.
• Help students foster relationships with faculty and staff in their college/school communities
• Discuss academic performance as it relates to post baccalaureate pursuits (opportunites for career, professional school, graduate school)

Role of Students with Advisor (Expectations of Students)

• Communicate with both their Professional Advisor and their Faculty Mentor to make informed academic decisions
• Be active participants in setting and reaching their academic goals
• Create a curriculum plan which accommodates individual values, personality, abilities and interests.
• Create a curriculum plan which takes into account current academic progress (GPA, class standing, etc)
• Create a curriculum plan which leads to completion of degree requirements
• Explore and engage in the unique opportunities available at UWG, including extra-curricular activities.

Role of Students with Mentor

• Keep your commitments
• Be open-minded and ready to learn
• Be honest and real
• Be proactive and take initiative
• Be prepared for your meetings
• Be a good listener
• Be forward thinking