Becoming a Mentor
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How to become an alumni mentor and make a difference.
You can make an impact on a student's life by becoming a mentor. Mentors serve as guides to students, answering questions, giving advice and helping them to learn more about their field of interest and about themselves.
How can I enroll in the program?
If you are an alum of the Biology Department, or any Penn State alum working in a biology-related field, then you are eligible to mentor a student. Once we receive your application, we will match you with a student whose interests closely align with your professional experience. You will be assigned a student with Junior standing so that your mentoring partnership can remain throughout the student's Junior and Senior years. The only requirement is that you attend a Mentoring Kickoff Dinner and Workshop on 12th February 2011 where you will have the opportunity to meet your student protege in person, learn more about the mentoring program and work with your protege to develop goals and action steps for participation in the program. The kickoff event will take place in February each year. You may sign up to become a mentor at any time of year, and every effort will be made to match you with a student protege with the same interests. It would be expected that you arrange your own meeting and attend the Kickoff Dinner the following February.
What should I expect as a participant in the mentoring program?
Regular communication will help you and your protege to get the most out of the program. Mentors/proteges can communicate with one another via e-mail, phone and visits to your workplace if you so choose. This is not a job placement program. You are not expected to offer employment or internships to the student you are mentoring. You are simply asked to communicate regularly with the student as the two of you see fit. The student may have questions about areas of study, career options, or your career or area(s) of expertise and interest.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please use our online application or contact Mary Hudson, Mentoring Program Coordinator, at (814) 867-2896 or meh25@psu.edu.
