Planning and Community Development
Mentor Program
Our Mentorship Program pairs students with willing alumni and professionals from their interest area. The program provides support, encouragement and insight for students and promotes professional connections that may be useful upon graduation.
The program operates throughout the academic year. Interested students and mentors are matched in September and attend a kickoff event in October.
Students interested in the mentorship program can fill out an inquiry form and connect with their faculty advisor.
An advisory board of three alumni, two students from the Community Planning Association and two professors oversees the program.
Mentor Program Expectations
Generally, mentors and students need to stay committed to scheduled meet-ups, phone calls, and assigned tasks.
Mentor Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a mentor include: scheduling regular meetings with your student and participating in program events, working personally with your student, encouraging him or her to observe you in your professional environment, and linking the student to other professionals.
Student Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the student include: keeping scheduled meetings, participating in program events, initiating contact when necessary, reflecting on his or her goals for the program, telling the mentor what would be helpful, and maintaining professional confidentiality. Students should be aware that the mentor relationship is not a promise of future employment, although it promotes professional connections that may lead to careers. Students and mentors complete a mentor program agreement form, which clarifies goals, lists mentor/mentee events to attend, and helps to plan the upcoming year.