aq alumni mentorship network program alumni mentorshi… · association and the aq alumni...

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AQ ALUMNI

MENTORSHIP

NETWORK PROGRAM

HANDBOOK

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AQ ALUMNI MENTORSHIP

NETWORK PROGRAM

Table of Contents

Section Page Number

Welcome & Overview 3

What is mentoring? Benefits

4 5

Eligibility 5

Responsibilities & Expectations 6

Confidentiality & Program Structure 7

Tentative Schedule

8

Appendix

Alumni Mentoring Program Application 9

S.M.A.R.T Goals 12

Ideal Mentor Scale 13

S.M.A.R.T Goals Worksheet 14

Alumni Mentoring Program Timeline & Events 15

Alumni Mentoring Program Evaluation (Post Survey) 16

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NETWORK PROGRAM

WELCOME: Thank you for your interest in the AQ Alumni Mentorship Network Program! From the AQ Alumni

Association and the AQ Alumni Leadership Council we are happy you are looking to further your professional

development. This mentorship program is designed to support senior students and recent graduates to build

a meaningful relationship with an alumnus that have been successful in their area of study or comparable

career path. This handbook will guide you through the mentoring process and act as a resource. Please read

it thoroughly to become familiar with the different components of the program.

OVERVIEW: Aquinas College is thrilled to announce its creation of the AQ Alumni Mentorship Network program for the

2019 school year. The mentorship program allows AQ alumni to share their trials and tribulations in their

area of study with senior students and recent graduates over a period of a year. Each mentee is paired with

an Alumnus that has a similar area of study or comparable career paths. This program will include a

minimum of 10 mentee/mentor pairs. Each mentee/mentor match will meet on a regular basis throughout

the duration of a year. We hope to allow each mentoring relationship to develop in a way that best suits

the individuals involved.

The program is designed to pair successful alumni mentors with current students/recent graduates to

support their professional development by providing advice, assistance, and guidance. In turn, student and

recent graduates’ benefit with hands-on experience in personal development, connecting with area leaders,

and gaining career insight in their respective fields. Acknowledging varying commitments, the program is

flexible and can be easily adapted to fit all schedules. Mentors and mentees are asked to commit to

meeting at least once or twice a month through the medium of their choosing (i.e. in person, email, phone,

Go-To-Meeting, etc.).

The program aims to create connections both in and outside of the classroom during the student’s time at

Aquinas College and beyond. The program allows for current students to impart their knowledge and

experiences attending Aquinas College, and enhance their communication and goal setting skills. Mentors

have the opportunity to advise students on academic guidance, career advice, and professional

development. Opportunities to interact with students include virtual chats, on-campus mixers and

workshops, volunteer opportunities, and social events. Mentors and students will be paired based on a

variety of factors, including common career interests and geographic preferences. There will be an

expectation for both individuals to engage each other on a regular basis to ensure the relationship grows

and benefits both the student and the professional.

Alumni do not have to be on campus to leave a footprint at AQ. Whether you are right down the street or

across the globe, we invite alumni from around the world to apply and be part of the AQ Alumni

Mentorship Network Program.

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NETWORK PROGRAM

WHAT IS MENTORING? Mentoring is a structured and trusted relationship that, in this case, matches AQ senior students/recent

graduates with AQ alumni with the goal of guiding, supporting, and encouraging the development of the

mentee. Effective mentoring places an importance on the relationship between the mentor and the

mentee. Mutual trust, respect, commitment, and collegiality are important to the relationship and the

process.

Overall, an effective mentorship can provide career assistance to mentees by enhancing a sense of

professional competence and career identity.

● Mentoring is an important process in the development and growth of an individual.

● Mentoring can serve as a bridge to link expert knowledge and leadership practice to help foster

a new generation of leadership in organizations. Some studies have shown a positive

relationship between mentoring, retention, confidence, and professional and personal growth.

● Mentoring is an important process in the development and growth of an individual. The

relationship between a person with an expert knowledge in an area and a person who wants to

learn from an expert is defined as mentoring (Moore et al., 2007).

What makes a good mentor? The dictionary defines a “mentor” as a wise or trusted adviser or guide (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). A

mentor is not someone who knows everything, but rather someone who can advise a mentee and

support them during their career journey.

Your knowledge, experience, and insight will help students maximize their AQ experience and open their

eyes to the opportunities and challenges they will face after graduation. Whether you were supported

by alumni during your own time at AQ or you simply want to give back to the institution that has helped

shape your career, mentoring is an easy way to make a real, lasting impact on the AQ community!

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NETWORK PROGRAM

BENEFITS: Here are some of the unique benefits experienced in mentee-mentor relationships:

Alumni Mentor: ● Share knowledge of your education, career path, successes, failures, and what your

experiences have taught you

● Acquire experience in coaching and fostering the talent of current AQ community members

● Increase the value of your AQ degree by investing in future alumni

● Cultivate a stronger connection with AQ

● Deepen your knowledge of the current student body, and campus communities and activities

● Network with other alumni participants

● Experience renewed pride and excitement for your work

● Gain a heightened sense of purpose and professional development

Student Mentee: ● Grow in self-awareness and self-discipline

● Deepen your knowledge of a specific 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

● Improve your job search and networking skills and expand your professional network

● Gain a heightened sense of purpose and professional development

● Increase career opportunities and further enhance relationship management skills

ELIGIBILITY: Participants in the AQ Alumni Mentorship Network Program must meet the following

eligibility requirements:

Mentor Eligibility: Degree conferred from AQ in any academic program.

At least 5 year of professional experience in the chosen field.

Mentee Eligibility: Current senior student enrolled in any AQ undergraduate degree academic program OR recent

graduate within 4 years of graduation date.

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NETWORK PROGRAM

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS: As a mentor or mentee, it is important to follow the responsibilities and expectations outlined below to

ensure a successful professional relationship.

Mentor Expectations: ● Communicate with your mentee at least once a month through applicable channels (i.e.

email, phone, in-person, etc.)

● Set expectations with your mentee regarding how and when you will remain in contact

● Create and nurture a professional relationship with your mentee through

thoughtful conversations related to professional development

● Respond to all communications in a timely manner

● Maintain confidentiality at all times, barring ethical or safety concerns

● Notify AQ Alumni Relations of any issues during your time as a mentor

● Provide feedback about your experience through pre- and post-surveys

Responsibilities:

● Clarify concepts and proactively seek answers to the mentee’s questions

● Reinforce important competencies and skills valued for a successful career in the chosen field

● Serve as a role model by demonstrating professional behavior

● Help mentee identify and set goals, track progress, and adapt to changes

● Refer students to appropriate services, where needed


What is not expected as a mentor:

● To offer jobs or internships

● To have all the answers

● To initiate all contact with mentee

Mentee Expectations: Communicate with your mentor at least once a month through applicable channels (i.e. email, phone, in-person, etc.)

● Set specific goals for the mentoring relationship with the mentor

● Be open to thoughtful conversations related to professional development, including

suggestions and feedback

● Be appropriate in requests to mentor (i.e. not asking for a job or internship)

● Maintain confidentiality at all times, barring ethical or safety concerns

● Notify AQ Alumni Relations of any issues during your time as a mentee


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NETWORK PROGRAM CONFIDENTIALITY: The mentoring relationship should be based on trust and honesty. Information shared within the

context of the relationship should be handled with discretion, and confidentiality should be honored in

most situations. However, for the well-being of all involved parties, including the university,

confidentiality cannot be offered in the following situations:

● The mentor/mentee talks about suicide

● The mentor/mentee discusses intentions to harm another person

If you believe your student may be in distress, please provide them with this contact information for the

Student Solutions program:

AQ Advantage Center

616-632-1121

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

Application and Training/Orientation: Applications will be made available March 2019 and close in mid-April.

As part of the application process, student mentees and alumni mentors are required to attend a

training/orientation session to be eligible for participation. If a mentor/mentee has previously

completed training and their previous match wishes to continue with them, orientation requirements

may be waived. Training information will be sent by AQ Alumni Relations.

Matching Process: Prospective mentors and mentees complete the application. Submitted applications are reviewed and

matched based on personal and professional commonalities. Depending on the interest generated by

the program, everyone may not be matched at any given time.

Once the matching process is complete, mentors and mentees will receive email notification with the

name and contact information of their match. Depending on the number of applications, a mentor

might have more than one mentee.

Time Commitment and Communication: The formal relationship is around a 1-year commitment (e.g. Spring 2019 through Spring 2020). Mentors

and mentees should communicate at least once a month and in whichever form agreed upon by the pair

(i.e. phone, email, video chat, in person, etc.). After the formal commitment has ended, pairs are able to

continue of their own accord, if desired.

Aquinas College is not responsible for continued partnerships after the formal end of program.

Participants assume responsibility for their own mentoring relationships. However, AQ staff are

available as needed.

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NETWORK PROGRAM

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

Date Event Time & Location BELOW

MENTOR SCHEDULE: MARCH/2019 Mentor Training* 12:00 p.m.

MARCH /2019 Mentor Training* 8:00 a.m.

MARCH /2019 Mentor Training* 5:30 p.m.

MENTEE SCHEDULE: Student Applications Due MARCH 19

APRIL/2019 Student Training* 12:00 p.m.

APRIL/2019 Student Training* 5:30 p.m.

APRIL 2019 Kick-Off Reception 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

SEPT/2019 Closing Reception 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

EVALUATION: Participants will be surveyed on a regular basis. Surveys are designed to evaluate the individual relationships and

identify areas of growth for the program. At the conclusion of the formal relationship, participants have the

option of continuing their relationship, applying to be matched with a new student/mentor, or exit the program.

BEST PRACTICES AND RESOURCES:

MENTOR ACTION PLAN ● Determine my goals and expectations

● Determine mentor’s goals and expectations Contact information/ Preferred contact method

● Communication log

● Set up goal to work together – action plan for mentor and mentee

● Keep notes on conversations for goal setting and constructive feedback

● Review and offer feedback regarding your mentee’s development plan Complete post survey

MENTEE ACTION PLAN ● Determine my goals and expectations

● Determine mentee’s goals and expectations

● Contact information/ Preferred contact method

● Communication log

● Set up goal to work together – action plan for mentor and mentee

● Keep notes on conversations

● Construct a professional development plan based on discussion with mentor

● Complete post survey

● Send formal thank you note to mentor

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AQ ALUMNI

MENTORSHIP NETWORK

PROGRAM

MENTOR/ MENTEE APPLICATION Your information will be used to match you with your mentor/mentee. Contact information (i.e. name and

email) will be shared only with your match.

Personal Information:

Name:

Gender/Pronouns:

Applying for role as: mentor mentee

LinkedIn URL Profile:

Contact Information:

Personal Email:

Phone Number:

Mailing Address:

Preferred contact method (only preferred contact method will be shared with mentor/mentee)

Personal Email Phone

Additional Information:

For Mentor:

Graduation Year:

Major/Program:

Other degree(s) received: City / Town of

Residence: Current industry:

Current employer:

Years at Current position:

How many mentees are you interested in mentoring?

1 2 3

Areas of expertise:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

What are your professional interests?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

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What personal experiences, knowledge and/or skills do you believe will benefit your mentoring relationship?

(e.g., starting your own business, changing career paths, relocation)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

What type of guidance/assistance are you most interested in providing during the course of this mentorship?

Please check all that apply.

a. Career Advising

Résumé review / CV Writing, or Mock Interviews

Job Shadowing, Providing Employer Information

__General career coaching, guidance and advice

b. Academic Advising

Information on graduate school experience

__Advice on utilizing academic studies in professional capacities

__Other:

c. Personal Support

Emotional support

__Advice concerning post-college transition

__Balancing work, life, family and values

d. Other:

How did you hear about the Alumni Mentoring Program? Alumni Office (e.g. newsletter, staff, email)

Aquinas faculty/staff

Other student or alumni

Other:

For Mentee:

Planned Graduation Year:

Major/Program:

Areas of Study:

Internship or work experience:

Graduate School Interest:

Career Goals:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

What city / state do you plan on living in post-graduation?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………… What are your academic and/or professional goals and interests?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

What qualities do you want in a mentor?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………

What type of guidance/assistance are you most interested in receiving during the course of this mentorship?

Please check all that apply.

e. Career Advising

Résumé review / CV Writing, or Mock Interviews

Job Shadowing, Providing Employer Information

__General career coaching, guidance and advice

f. Academic Advising

Information on graduate school experience

__Advice on utilizing academic studies in professional capacities

__Other:

g. Personal Support

Emotional support

__Advice concerning post-college transition

__Balancing work, life, family and values

h. Other:

How did you hear about the Alumni Mentoring Program? Alumni Office (e.g. newsletter, staff, email)



Other:

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NETWORK PROGRAM

S.M.A.R.T. Goals During the first mentor meeting, we recommend establishing 3-5 SMART goals for the mentor and

mentee to accomplish together.

Specific

Exactly what is it you want to achieve in your professional or personal life? A good goal statement

explains the what, why, who, where and when of a goal. If your goal statement is vague, you will find it

hard to achieve because it will be difficult to define success. Use action verbs.

Measurable

You must be able to track progress and measure the result of your goal. A good goal statement answers

the question, how much or how many. How will I know when I have achieved my goal?

Agreed

Your goal must be relevant and agreed by both of you. The means to achieve your goal must be within

your control and influence, and the necessary resources must be accessible.

Realistic

Your goal should be stretching, but realistic and relevant to both of you. Your goals must be one that you

are both willing and able to work towards. Outline a clear path to achieve your goals.

Time-Bound Goals must have a deadline. A good goal statement will answer the question, when will I achieve my goal? Without time limits, it's easy to put goals off and leave them to die. As well as a deadline, it's a good idea to set some short-term milestones along the way to help you measure progress.

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NETWORK PROGRAM

IDEAL MENTOR SCALE Answer each item by circling a number 1 – 5 according to the following importance rating:

Extremely Important Moderately Important Not at All Important

5 4 3 2 1

My ideal mentor would…

1. …show me how to employ relevant research techniques. 5 4 3 2 1

2. …prefer to cooperate with others than compete with them. 5 4 3 2 1

3. …help me to maintain a clear focus on my research objectives. 5 4 3 2 1

4. …respect the intellectual property rights of others. 5 4 3 2 1

5. …be a role model. 5 4 3 2 1

6. …brainstorm solutions to a problem concerning my research project. 5 4 3 2 1

7. …be calm and collected in times of stress. 5 4 3 2 1

8. …be interested in speculating on the nature of the universe or the human condition. 5 4 3 2 1

9. …help me plan the outline for a presentation on my research. 5 4 3 2 1

10. …inspire me by his or her example and words. 5 4 3 2 1

11. …rarely feel fearful or anxious. 5 4 3 2 1

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NETWORK PROGRAM

S.M.A.R.T. Goals Worksheet

Use this handout to clarify 1-3 mentee goals and 1-2 mentor goals – both short and long term, personal

and professional.

SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, AGREED, REALISTIC, TIME-BOUND

1. Mentee Goal

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Mentee Goal ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Mentee Goal

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. Mentor Goal

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. Mentor Goal

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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NETWORK PROGRAM 2019 Academic Year Timeline:

Applications for the mentorship program are available at the beginning March 2019 and close end March 2019. Submitted applications are then reviewed by the Professional Development Committee of the AQ Alumni

Leadership Council, the Alumni Association and the AQ Advantage Center. Matches are based on personal and

professional commonalities. Depending on the numbers of application, a mentor might have more than one

mentee.

Once the matching process is complete by end of April, both mentors and mentees will receive notification emails

with the name and contact information of their assigned mentor/mentee(s) and some basic information on the

next steps in the program.

Below is an example of the AQ Alumni Mentoring Program timeline for Spring 2019

Events: The goal of the Alumni Mentoring Program is to connect and bring together current students and alumni for opportunities to network socially and professionally. Therefore, as part of the program, at least 2 in-person networking events will be organized to enhance the mentoring experience for both mentors and mentees.

● The first event, Meet & Greet, takes place early in the program to serve as an information session and a

networking event.

● The second event, End of Year Bash: Mentor Appreciation Day, will be hosted towards the end of the

program to commemorate the participation of our students and alumni. This event will also be utilized to

collect feedback and written evaluations from the participants.

Below is the suggested event planning and implementation plan. These plans can and should be adapted to

different on-ground locations as well as the online environment.

Event 1: In-Person Meet & Greet Event (End of April)

● Pre networking/cocktail hour

● Welcome mentors/mentees – provide an overview of the mentoring program and expectations of

participants; demonstrate program website and communication tools, if applicable.

● Presentation/Workshop from a speaker (faculty, guest speaker, President)

● Cocktails/dinner

● If time permits, ask mentors and mentees to introduce themselves and provide brief personal/professional

background information as appropriate

● Assign a person to gather information/take photos of participants for program communication purposes.

● After dinner event, allow mentors and mentees ample time to network with one another.

Event 2: In-Person End of Year Bash: Mentor Appreciation Day (April 2020)

● Welcome/cocktail hour

● Welcome remarks and thank you from Alumni Relations Office

● If time permits, ask mentors and mentees to share their mentorship experience

● Dinner

● Program Evaluations Completed

● Closing remarks *For those mentors and mentees who cannot attend in-person events, we may provide an opportunity for them to

meet and connect virtually.

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AQ ALUMNI

MENTORSHIP

NETWORK PROGRAM Alumni Mentoring Program Evaluation (Post Survey)

We would like to have your opinion on the Alumni Mentoring Program, so that we may evaluate and

strengthen our program for the future. Please complete the questions below and return the survey to

Alumni Relations

1. Are you a mentor or mentee?

Mentor Mentee

2. How did you hear about the Alumni Mentoring Program?

Alumni Office (e.g. newsletter, staff, email)



Other:

3. What type of guidance/assistance did you expect to occur during the duration of the Alumni

Mentoring Program? Please check all that apply.

Career Advising

Résumé/CV Writing Mock Interview

Job Shadowing Providing Employer Information

Academic Advising

Information concerning academic program Feedback regarding professors or courses

Advice concerning academic performance Other:

Personal Support

Emotional support Advice concerning leadership activities

Other:

4. The Program: How would you evaluate the program guidance and support?

(Strongly agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree =2, Strong disagree = 1)

The goals and objectives of the program were met

Strongly agree (5) Agree (4) Neutral (3) Disagree (2) Strongly disagree

(1) Information about the program was helpful and clear

Strongly agree (5) Agree (4) Neutral (3) Disagree (2) Strongly

disagree (1) I felt supported in the mentoring program


(1) The structure of the program made it easy to perform my role in this relationship

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(1) The program requirements were just right

Strongly agree (5) Agree (4) Neutral (3) Disagree (2) Strongly disagree (1) The time commitment for each interaction was just right


(1) The match between my mentoring partner and I worked


disagree (1) I believe the program will benefit TCSPP


(1) The overall expected outcomes for the program were realistic


(1) Alumni Office was helpful when I needed assistance

Strongly agree (5) Agree (4) Neutral (3) Disagree (2) Strongly disagree (1)

5. The Relationship: How would you evaluate your mentoring relationship?

(Strongly agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree =2, Strong disagree

= 1) The match between my mentoring partner and I met my needs.


(1) We met regularly


(1) We came prepared to use the meeting time effectively


disagree (1) I would have preferred to meet less often


disagree (1) I would have preferred to meet more often


(1) We were confident about what to do when we started


(1) My mentor/mentee understood what I was saying


disagree (1) I experienced learning and growth during the process


(1) We were open and honest with each other


(1) We had meaningful conversations


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This relationship will continue beyond the formal process


Mentor questions only

My mentee shared concerns and asked good questions


(1) My mentee enlightened me


Mentee questions only

My mentor offered guidance and knowledge


(1) My mentor could be called a “developer of people”


6. Benefits and Learning: How would you evaluate your participation in the Alumni Mentoring Program?

(Strongly agree = 5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree =2, Strong disagree = 1)

As a result of this mentoring relationship, I have improved my skills, or even discovered new ones


(1) As a result of this mentoring relationship, I feel better about my career


(1) As a result of this mentoring relationship, I feel more concerned about my career


(1) As a result of this mentoring relationship, I feel more investment in the TCSPP

community


(1) As a result of this mentoring relationship, I feel it was worth my time and effort


7. Additional Feedback

7.1) How would you rate the alumni mentoring program?

Excellent Very good Good Poor

How can we improve the Alumni Mentoring Program in the future?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…….. Do you anticipate continuing to participate in this program?

Yes No (If no, why not? .....................................................................)

*Thank you for completing this evaluation form. Your feedback on the program is very important to us!

aq alumni mentorship network program alumni mentorshi… · association and the aq alumni...

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