Alumni Mentor Program

November

• Student and Mentor Application Deadline: November 15, 2024. Want to get matched sooner? Complete your profile now. We try our best to continuously make matches. 

December

• Student will participate in orientation phone call with program coordinator to be matched with a mentor.
• Students review quick start guide, tools, and handouts to prepare for connection with mentor.

January

• Match letters are sent to participants via email mid-January
• Students make initial contact with alumni mentors within one week of receiving their match email.

January-May

• Students and mentors meet at least once per month either in person or virtually. Date and timeframes should be discussed within partnership.
• Mentors are encouraged to drive the relationship. Mentors can reach out to mentor coordinators for additional support as needed.

May-August

• Participants decide if they would like to continue their current relationship, apply to be matched with a new student/mentor, or exit the program.
• Complete program feedback survey

• 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

• 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

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

Students will participate in a 15-minute orientation phone call with the program coordinator. These calls will help us get to know your goals better to help with the matching process.

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.

No. You and your partner will determine how you want to communicate with each other. It can be a phone call, video chat, WebEx meeting or emails. 

Any current student is eligible to apply to be in the alumni mentor program.  Create a student profile here by Nov. 15, 2024.

Alumni can apply to be a mentor by creating an alumni profile here by Nov. 15, 2024.