STAT Alumni Mentor Program - Information for Mentors
OverviewEligibilityTime Commitment and MeetingsBasics of MentoringResponsibilities of Student ParticipantsAlumni Participation Survey Overview
A mentor is a guide. A friend. A resource who:
- successfully navigated SIUE's ins and outs - rose to the challenges and reaped the promises of graduating from a premier university
- used the SIUE education and experience to further pave the way to success
- derives satisfaction from helping others succeed
Alumni mentors have an opportunity to put their own vision, energy and creativity to work, making an important difference in a SIUE student's life. They want to maintain ties to their alma mater. They enjoy the personal satisfaction of contributing to a student's growth and success. And they also enjoy the stimulation and challenge of relating to today's SIUE students. Your role as an alumni mentor is to inspire, encourage and support your student, and to contribute to their professional and personal development.
Eligibility
All SIUE alumni who are current members of the SIUE Alumni Association are eligible to participate in this program. Participation in the mentor program is voluntary. Alumni who wish to participate in the program must first fill out the Alumni Participation Survey. Once the Alumni Association receives a completed survey, they alumni mentor will be matched with a current student based on their answers to the student participation survey. As much as possible, matches will be made based on similar career field, major, hometown, hobbies and interests. Please note that we cannot guarantee an exact match in any one particular area.
Time Commitment and Meetings
We know how busy our alumni area, and we do not want your participation in this program to hinder your day-to-day routine or conflict with your other commitments. Therefore, we have made this program as adaptable and user-friendly as possible. The amount of time your commit is entirely up to you. The important this is to work with your student and decide on a plan that you can both commit to - this may be a monthly e-mail or phone call, or an in-person meeting once a semester.
Keep in mind that alumni do not need to live in close proximity to SIUE or to their student in order to participate in the program - a mentoring relationship built solely on e-mail, phone calls, letters, etc. can be just as affective as mentoring a student in person.
Basics of Mentoring
The basic objective of mentoring is to encourage and assist in the development and growth of a student. Each mentoring relationship will be different because of the student's development level, the student's needs, his or her personal interests and a mentor's strengths and talents. A mentor can provide a wide variety of assistance to students including providing career advice and networking tips, listening to a student's ideas and concerns, introducing them to new people, places, interests and ideas and encouraging them to set goals and develop a plan of action to reach them.
Good mentoring relationships are those that provide opportunities for the student to learn, grow and feel supported. Aside from giving information, strong mentors often both support and challenge.
Responsibilities of Student Participants
- Sincere interest in developing a personal and professional relationship that supports your student's efforts towards graduation
- Commitment to have regular contact with your student
- Willingness to share your experience of growth and success
- Willingness to attend SIUE Alumni Association and STAT events and to schedule recommended activities which support your mentoring relationship
If you are interested in participating in the STAT Alumni Mentor Program, click here to fill out the Mentor Participation Survey.
