Each year, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) Mentor Program matches CCAPS undergraduate and graduate students with alumni and industry professionals who share professional goals and interests.
During the mentorship period, students (mentees) grow their professional skills and networks, and strengthen the opportunities and connections between their academic studies and future careers. In turn, mentors revel in sharing career exploration and development, and providing constructive guidance and support to the next generation of leaders in a myriad of fields.
Highly flexible, this hybrid program allows for in-person and virtual options, and no in-person meetings are expected or required.
How it Works
Most mentoring relationships will consist of one mentor and one mentee. During the application process, mentors and mentees indicate their commitment to initiating, developing, and maintaining this relationship. Individuals are also asked to share where they are based geographically (Twin Cities Metro or elsewhere), and their preference for in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings.
Based on the applications received, CCAPS staff make matches based on interests, experiences, and the preferences noted on applications. It's clear that those who apply to the Mentor Program have a passion for their industries and studies, as well as for developing as professionals. This alone has proven to be successful in fostering strong mentoring relationships.
Key Dates (2024–25)
All events are virtual unless otherwise noted.
| Date/Time (listed as CT) | Event |
|---|---|
| August 1–September 13 | Mentor Application Period Opens |
| September 3–13 | Mentee (Student) Application Period Opens |
| By September 22 | Mentees: Deadline to complete the required Canvas orientation online and review the CCAPS Mentor & Mentee Handbook. We are unable to make a match if you have not completed the orientation by this date. |
| September 13–27 | Mentees: Browse mentor profiles and select your favorites. |
| By October 11 | Mentors and Mentees will receive notification of their matches from the Maroon & Gold Network via email. |
October 14, 12–1 p.m. or | Mentors: Attend the required mentor-only online orientation and review the CCAPS Mentor & Mentee Handbook. |
| October 30 | All: CCAPS Mentor Program Kickoff (in person with virtual option). People are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to meet and connect in person. A guided activity will help mentor-mentee pairs establish goals. If mentor-mentee pairs are unable to attend, it is recommended that they schedule an alternative introductory meeting by this date. |
| November 15 | Mentees: Deadline to submit the required CCAPS Mentorship Agreement & Goals to CCAPS Mentor Program staff. |
| April 10 | U of M Mentor Appreciation Event |
| April 30 | 2024–25 CCAPS Mentor Program ends |
| May 1 | All: Deadline to submit the required program evaluation. |
Programs and Student Eligibility
Students in these CCAPS programs may apply to be mentees. To be eligible students are required to:
- Be enrolled in both fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters
- Be in good academic standing
- Complete the online orientation in Canvas and review the CCAPS Mentor & Mentee Handbook
- Meet the specific requirements of their program as detailed in the table below
If you're unsure you meet the requirements, reach out to your academic advisor or apply by the deadline and we will verify your status. Note: CCAPS is unable to guarantee a mentee-mentor match for every applicant.
| Undergraduate Degree Programs | Program Requirements |
|---|---|
| Construction & Facilities Management | 30 credits |
| Health & Wellbeing Sciences | Major status or currently enrolled in ICP 3101W |
| Health Services Management | 30 credits |
| Information Technology Infrastructure | 30 credits |
| Inter-College Program | Major status or currently enrolled in ICP 3101W |
| Multidisciplinary Studies | Major status or currently enrolled in MDS 3001W |
| Graduate Degree Programs | Program Requirements |
|---|---|
| Master of Biological Sciences | 15 credits |
| Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling | 15 credits |
| Master of Professional Studies in Applied Science Leadership | 15 credits |
| Master of Professional Studies in Arts and Cultural Leadership | 15 credits |
| Master of Professional Studies in Civic Engagement | 15 credits |
| Master of Professional Studies in Horticulture | 15 credits |
| Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health | 40 credits |
| Master of Professional Studies in Sexual Health | 15 credits |
Mentorship Benefits
What Do Mentees Gain?
Through the Mentor Program mentees:
- Deepen their knowledge of a specific industry, employer, organizational culture, and/or job function
- Partner with real-world professionals who offer knowledge and insight, and help to navigate career paths and achievement of goals
- Connect knowledge learned in the classroom with professional endeavors
- Improve job or internship searches
- Expand professional networks and networking skills
- Transition successfully to the workplace or a new career path
- Gain a sense of belonging and purpose
What Do Mentors Gain?
Through the Mentor Program mentors:
- Share knowledge about their education, careers, successes and failures, and what has been learned along the way
- Gain experience in coaching and fostering talent
- Deepen their knowledge about the CCAPS student body and campus community
- Cultivate a stronger connection with the College and the U of M
- Engage and network with other participants
- Reignite enthusiasm for their work
Mentorship Expectations
Mentee Expectations
To participate in the program mentees must:
- Initiate regular contact with their mentor via phone, email, and meetings, be they in person or virtual
- Be proactive and willing to meet with their mentor at least once a month, and see the relationship through the mentorship period (October-April)
- Discuss goals, needs, and what they hope to gain from the relationship with their mentor
- Participate in self-reflection and self-development, and be open to feedback
- Act professionally at all times, and return phone calls and emails in a timely manner
- Understand that the mentor program is NOT a job-placement program
- Notify the Mentor Program team if circumstances require them to end their participation in the program or if there is a concern with the mentoring relationship
Mentor Expectations
To participate in the program mentors must:
- Commit to being accessible to and engaged in mentoring one student through the mentorship period (October-April)
- Help students establish realistic and attainable goals and identifying ways to achieve them
- Provide guidance and support by sharing personal and professional experiences.
- Offer constructive suggestions and feedback
- Determine how their expertise can help the student meet their career goals
- Ask questions that help students explore their own values and needs, and make informed decisions
- Be familiar with U of M Student Development Outcomes
- Understand that there is no expectation that internships or employment will result from this experience
- Notify the Mentor Program team if here is a concern with the mentoring relationship
