Mentors
All UMSL alumni and supporters of the university, including those outside of St. Louis, may participate as mentors. Mentors must be available and willing to connect with students at least 3 times during the academic year. The preferred meeting method is face-to-face, but exceptions can be made for those outside of the St. Louis area.
Mentors will:
- Make a difference in the life of a student
- Share their career experience with an enthusiastic student
- Utilize leadership skills
- Meet young people who are exposed to the latest research in their field
Mentor expectations:
- Consider all Mentorship Program communication confidential between you and your student.
- Encourage your student to take the lead in scheduling meetings and staying in touch. Establish expectations for communication during your first meeting with your student. How often will you be in touch? When should you generally look for a reply from each other?
- Expect to play a variety of roles, depending on the needs of your student:
- Coach - If you’re a content expert on a subject your student wants to learn, you may find yourself actually teaching and coaching him/her on what you know. For example, you may be well versed in interviewing skills and that’s what your mentoring partner wants to explore. You can take her/him carefully through each step, providing feedback.
- Cheerleader – Another valuable role is that of providing enthusiastic support for what your student is trying to do and become. No doubt many people are trying to discourage him/her and tell him why things won’t work. You can use praise and otherwise help motivate him/her to succeed.
- Confidante – As trust grows and your student feels safe with you, you’ll likely hear and see information that’s sensitive and confidential. As a confidante, you can let him/her know your boundaries and comfort level in such areas.
- Remind your student to come to meetings prepared!
- Help your student to set short and long-term goals.
- Keep every commitment to your student. Try not to cancel a meeting even when you travel. (Reschedule as a phone meeting.)
- Encourage your student to follow-up after every meeting. Review your meeting notes and read a copy of your student’s notes (if offered). Ask to be kept up-to-date on progress and results.
- Communicate with the Alumni Relations Office if you have any questions or concerns.
Mentor Application:
Those interested can fill out a Printable Application and return it to the Alumni Association by September 8, 2010. Applications can be faxed to (314) 516-5858, e-mailed to alumni@umsl.edu, or mailed to: Alumni Association, UMSL, 101 Woods Hall, One University Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63121.