Johnson Beth-El Alumni-Student Mentorship Program

Johnson Beth-El Alumni-Student Mentorship Program

This program will connect current Johnson Beth-El (JBE) undergraduate and graduate students with experienced and recent JBE alumni to engage in mutually rewarding relationships focused on academic and professional goals. These interactions will consist of shared experiences, knowledge, and role modeling. This program is not restricted to in-person meetings withing Colorado Springs. Remote (distance) mentoring (e.g., video conferencing, online meeting software/platforms) is encouraged, especially among students and alumni who may not live in the Colorado Springs area or have readily available access to transportation.  

Each student will be paired with an alumni mentor based on similar interests and experiences. The mentor and mentee will establish a mutually convenient schedule for meeting to address the mentee’s goals and objectives. For some, this may consist of weekly or monthly meetings, others may opt for less formal meetings on a as needed basis.  The frequency and expectations of these meetings should be clearly defined and no less than once per semester for one-year.  The mentor should be available, within reason, to assist the mentee in various questions and procedures such as: constructing a resume/CV, job search process, interviewing, advanced education/degrees, career prospects and more.

Alumni -Apply to be a Mentor

Additional program information: 

  • The program duration is expected to last one year or two-three academic semesters at the least. 
  • Mentors (alumni) and Mentees apply now through September 30, 2022.
  • Mentors and Mentees will be matched at the start of the Fall 2022 semester.
  • Watch for Alumni Mentor applications to open in Spring 2023.
  • Student Mentee applications will open again in Fall 2023. 
     
  •  Mentors will be required to submit a background check before they are matched with a student. 
  • Pro-Tip: Use your first meeting to establish preferred methods of communication and goals/objectives of the mentorship relationships are, future frequency of meetings and to get to know one another’s backgrounds and personal goals for growth through this program.
 

Expectations of Students (Mentee)
  • Work with your mentor to determine the mutually preferred frequency and method of contact. It is recommended that you meet at least once per semester for one year.
  • Provide your mentor with an agenda prior to your meetings. Agendas may include prepared questions and suggested discussion topics.  
  • Work with your mentor to identify and establish mutual goals for your relationship and routinely review your goals with your mentor to ensure progress and to determine the next steps.  
  • Respect your mentor’s time and respond to messages or calls promptly (within two business days).
  • Notify your mentor no fewer than 24 hours in advance if you expect to miss a scheduled meeting. 
  • Students should NOT assume their mentor will persist in this role beyond one semester or year, unless mutually agreed upon by pother parties.
  • Listen and respect the mentor’s knowledge, experience, and any advice they provide. 
  • Consider reverse mentoring by sharing your experiences and knowledge with your mentor to assist in their own professional development.
  • Don’t become defensive when your mentor provide feedback.  
  • Provide positive feedback to your mentor and do NOT disparage your mentor to others.
  • Express your gratitude for their time, knowledge, and effort. Mentees are required to send a thank you message upon competition of the program.
Expectations of Alumni (Mentor)
  • Make yourself as readily available as your schedule permits. 
  • Work with your mentee to identify and establish mutual goals for your relationship and routinely review those goals with your mentee to ensure progress and to determine the next steps. 
  • Respect your mentee’s time and respond to messages or calls promptly (within two business days).
  • Notify your mentee no fewer than 24 hours in advance if you expect to miss a scheduled meeting.
  • Model and maintain professional behavior and respect for your mentee.
  • Instill a sense of confidence in your mentee and encourage them in their professional development.
  • Acknowledge your mentee’s achievements and offer positive reinforcement, but also, provide constructive criticism.  
  • When appropriate, share your ideas, experiences, resources, and potential personnel contacts.
 

Students who want to find a Mentor

Undergraduate and graduate students interested in finding a mentor will complete the online application. Once received, the Dean’s Office will work to match the student with a mentor based on the type of coaching and career, knowledge and experience you seek.

Connect and build a relationship with a health professional who can share personal and professional experiences as a first-generation college student to support and provide insight into resources, career exploration and professional development.
Alumni interested in serving as a possible mentor

Mentor FAQs

  • Why do you want to be a mentor?
    • Provide social and academic support to students who may lack social networks on campus or may be struggling academically.
    • Help increase student success. Engaged mentorship programs are proven to increase graduation rates and job placement rates.
    • Mentorship programs provide students with resources and networking opportunities for when they graduate and enter the workforce.
  • Realistically, how much time a month would you have to meet with your mentee?
    • Expect the mentorship to last the length of student’s academic career with Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences or until the student no longer desires to participate in the program.
    • Meet for one year and at minimum once a semester in-person or virtually.
  • Were you a first-generation student?
    • Use personal and professional experiences as a first-generation college student to support and provide insight into resources, career exploration and professional development.
    • Help students develop professional skills such as resume and cover letter writing, or interview and communication etiquette
  • What will this time commitment mean to your employer?
    • You’re supporting the next generation of health care professionals.
    • Mentorship opportunities not only enhance the mentor’s workplace experience, but they also help with retention and improve recruitment of future workforce.
    • Volunteer or community service opportunity.
 

Employers looking to offer mentorship opportunities.

Contact us at jbe@uccs.edu or by calling (719) 255-3771.
Johnson Beth-El Alumni-Student Mentorship Program
Contact Us
Communicate questions or problems with the mentoring relationship to the Dean’s executive assistant at jbe@uccs.edu or by calling (719) 255-3771.
Contact Us