Information for mentors

Mentor responsibilities

Represent your career or degree area, reflecting your profession's attitudes, concerns and insights.
Serve as a representative of your employer by introducing the student to your company or industry.
Spend approximately 2-4 hours per month building a relationship with a student. Communicate at least twice a month and respond in a timely manner.
Assist the student in identifying realistic goals. Listen to the needs of the student, define goals, assess progress, and celebrate accomplishments.
Students are expected to initiate and maintain contact with mentors; however, some students will need coaching. Outline your expectations for student initiative.
Contact the student within one week of receiving notice of the match.
Attend scheduled events, including the mentor program orientation in the fall and thank-you event in the spring.
Maintain and model professional behavior. Define professional behavior as needed.
Communicate problems to program director. Notify staff if there is a change in your ability to participate in the program.

Have a demonstrated interest in helping a student develop professionally.
Agree to time commitment: approximately two hours per month, October through April.
Be a friend or alumnus of the University of Minnesota.