ALUMNI MENTOR PROGRAM

April

• Student and mentor applications open and remain available through the summer into early fall. Complete your profile now! We strive to make matches continuously throughout the summer.

September

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students review the Quick Start Guide, tools, and handouts to prepare for connecting with their mentor.

October

• Match letters are sent to participants via email in early October.
• Students must make initial contact with their alumni mentors within one week of receiving their match email.

October-May

• Students and mentors meet at least once per month, either in person or virtually. Meeting dates and times should be agreed upon within the partnership.
• Mentors are encouraged to take the lead in fostering the relationship. They can reach out to program coordinators for additional support as needed.

May

• A closing reception will be held on campus in May.
• Participants will decide whether to continue their current mentoring relationship, apply for a new mentor/student match, or exit the program.
• All participants are encouraged to complete a program feedback survey.

Alums with all levels of experience can be good mentors. Mentors from recent grads to mid-level careers to retired executives help make the program successful for all levels of students. A good mentor is one who:

• Is a good listener
• Is willing to be open and share experiences and views
• Is willing to commit time and effort to the relationship
• Provides an open door to questions and problems
• Points out both strengths and opportunities for improvement
• Encourages the student objectively
• Allows freedom in the relationship
• Leads by example
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to ethics
• Is able to learn from experiences and mistakes

• Share knowledge about your education, career path, successes and failures, and what your experiences have taught you
• Acquire experience in coaching and fostering the talent of current Warhawks
• Increase the value of a UW-Whitewater degree by investing in student success
• Cultivate a stronger connection with UW-Whitewater
• Deepen your knowledge of the current student body and campus community
• Network with other alumni participants
• Experience renewed pride and excitement for your work
• Gain a heightened sense of purpose and belonging

Any sophomore, junior or senior who is looking to expand their support system is encouraged to participate. A good student in a mentor program is one who:

• Is a good listener
• Contributes equally to the conversation
• Accepts constructive feedback
• Is willing to be open to shared experiences and views
• Is willing to commit time and effort to the relationship
• Has a clear understanding of expectations for your mentor
• Is consistent and reliable
• Is flexible in changing expectations and plans
• Is realistic about setting timelines
• Is able to learn from experiences and mistakes
• Demonstrates a good work ethic

• Grow in self-awareness and self-discipline
• Seek advice on the challenges you face inside and outside the classroom
• Deepen your knowledge of an industry, employer, organizational culture, and/or job function
• Test ideas and construct a personalized development plan with the help of a real-world professional
• Learn to receive and accept both praise and constructive feedback
• Sharpen your active listening skills
• Improve your job search and networking skills
• Enhance your overall professional effectiveness
• Expand your existing professional network
• Gain a heightened sense of belonging and purpose

Mentorship partners will meet at least once per month throughout the semester for approximately one hour. You may decide to meet more often. The actual schedule will be determined by the student and mentor.

You and your partner will determine how you want to communicate with each other. It can be a phone call or video chat, WebEx meeting, or emails.

“Being a mentor gives me an opportunity to share what I have learned and advice I received during my career. It's rewarding for me to help students at my alma mater prepare to enter the work force, explore careers, and create good work habits at this critical stage in their lives to achieve career success." — Floyd J. Bellman '80, alumni mentor

"My mentor has given me the tools to help me prepare for my future goals, which gives me the confidence I need to succeed in my career. This program has encouraged me to open bigger doors and get more involved on campus." — Matthew J., student