mentor

At Southern Adventist University, we believe that education does not stop when you leave campus. As students and alumni, we have been taught to lead a life of service and to continue learning. The mission of Southern Adventist University's LEAP - Leadership Education through Alumni Partnerships program is to build positive relationships between alumni and current students, provide access to productive Adventist career networking connections, and enrich experiences in the areas of life transitions, personal finance, and spiritual development.

 

  • Become a Mentor

    Download the Mentor Application Form, fill it out, save, and email to leap@southern.edu (If you have problems opening the form in the Editing mode, please click here).

    A mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced, and often younger, person.

    "Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning." Proverbs 9:9 

    Mentoring involves the development of dynamic, reciprocal, personal relationships in which a more experienced person-the mentor-acts as a guide to a less experienced person-the mentee. Mentors provide mentees with knowledge, advice, counsel, support, and opportunities in the development of the mentee's career and personal life. Mentoring is an act of passing the mantle-which encourages conversations between the younger and older generations about what is important. 

    Mentoring roles include:

    • Motivator – expressing confidence in the mentee's abilities and encouraging the mentee to explore new opportunities.

    • Resource – teaching and advising the mentee about how to develop professional contacts and introducing the mentee to new people, places, or ideas.

    • Supporter – encouraging honest dialogue, listening and responding to the needs of the mentee.

    • Coach – helping the mentee to develop and achieve realistic, meaningful goals.

    Goal Setting Guides

     

  • Become a Mentee

    Download the Mentee Application Form, fill it out, save, and email to leap@southern.edu (If you have problems opening the form in the Editing mode, please click here).

    Begin your mentoring relationship with an in-person meeting, phone call, or video chat so you can develop a more personal connection. The most important thing to accomplish during your first conversation is to introduce yourself and become comfortable sharing. Think about what you might like to tell your mentor: general background information (your hometown, where you grew up, where you attended high school/academy, etc.), specifics about your Southern experience, or extracurricular activities you enjoy.
    Before your first meeting, plan ahead and think about what you might ask or share with your mentor. Be on time and, if meeting in person, ask your mentor to describe himself/herself so you can easily identify them. Dress in business/casual attire. Approach them with a smile and a hand shake. Most of all, thank them for their time and willingness to mentor you!

    If you're concerned about getting the conversation flowing, here are a few conversation starters:
    • Where are you from originally?
    • What do you do for a living?
    • Tell me about your Southern experience.

    Goal Setting Guides

    For any questions please contact leap@southern.edu.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    How much time will I be expected to commit?
    Mentor/Mentees are asked to contact each other at least once a month. This can be done by phone, in person, or any other method conducive to your schedules. At times, you may not have pressing topics to talk about, yet it's highly recommended that you remain in contact with each other monthly so that mentors are aware of what's going on with their mentees.

    When can I join?
    Mentees: At the end of your sophomore year, you can register to be matched for the beginning of your junior year.
    Mentors: At any time

    How/When do I apply?
    Mentees: The application deadline to be matched with a mentor at the beginning of your junior year is by April 30 of your sophomore year. If you are a junior or senior, you may register at any time; however, please note that there are limited numbers of mentors and matching is completed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Will I be paired with someone in my field of interest?
    It is our goal to match mentors and mentees together who have similar career interests. Exact careers may not always be possible. We will do our best to align you with someone who is on a similar career path and/or living in the same geographic area.

    When will I be paired up with my mentor?
    We strive to have matches ready for the beginning of your junior year. As mentors and mentees apply throughout the year, it is our desire that matches will be paired within one month after completing the registration process.

    When and how will I know that I have been matched?
    You will be sent information via email about your mentor/mentee once matched. Within three days of receiving your confirmation, you should plan to email one another and begin the mentoring relationship.

    Will my mentor get me a job/an internship?
    Mentors may help provide networking opportunities for mentees, but are not directly responsible for offering jobs or internships. The purpose of this program is to receive additional support and guidance which may lead to connections and tips about acquiring jobs/internships.

    Where can I get more information?
    You can view the Leap Mentoring Handbook or email leap@southern.edu, call 423.236.2830, or stop by Lynn Wood Hall, Room 2052.

Other available resources include, the Alumni career center and Meet the Firms.