Required mentoring programs, which assign students to their mentors, can be successful as long as the mentoring role is an option & NOT A REQUIREMNET.
I find that informal mentoring works wonderfully. I have been a mentor to many students over the years. They usually trust my advice, and are not affraid to seek me out when needed. The best part is, when they graduate, they often stop by to visit and say "Thank you". Sometimes, they will still need advice and guidance. It builds strong bonds between the student and the school.
Perfect. Consier mentoring students based on career themes. Always link to careers... this will help your retention. It keeps the students vision alive.
Dr. B
Our organization has implemented an mentoring program which has had an positive impact. Our new students are assigned a mentor however, most who really see the benefit of mentoring inquire about having a mentor throughout their program. In which this may be something to reveiw due to the fact that students do experience struggles during various quarters.
It cannot be optional and a required program. Mentoring should be offered and if they take advantage of the service then its their obligation to follow through.
Passion makes such a big difference. Carefully place mentors with students. You are on the right track.
Dr. B
I agree that the mentoring programs would be very successful when involving students /peers as mentors. I am of strong believed that there are no better motivators that those that students believe to more closely relate to them. Being optional is definitely of high importance, nothing worse than an assigned mentor who is not passionate about their career to unmotivated a new student.
I also agree that required mentoring can be successful if it is optional for the mentor, that way the experience will be positive for all involved.
How can a "required mentoring program" not be a requirement?
I completely agree with this point. Mentoring is an important part of student retention and success but when it is a requirement where documentation is needed to prove that you are mentoring your students then the spirit of "mentoring" gets lost in the paperwork whirlpool. I mentor students all day long without giving it any thought but now I must prove that I am helping students and I've had to change my mentoring approach. I do not believe that is what true mentoring is about. Do it because you want to not because you have to!
