Mentorship can unleash social capital and opportunity, paving the way to lifelong professional success for students, particularly non-traditional students. We will explore traditional and novel approaches to mentorship, discuss barriers to expanded access to mentorship (difficulty organizing cross-functionally, small staff and budgets, etc.), and technological approaches to overcome the challenges. We will also leverage the audience's knowledge and expertise.
Mentorship can unleash social capital and opportunity, paving the way to lifelong professional success for students, particularly non-traditional students. Yet nationally students are 3x more likely to graduate with debt than with a mentor. The advantages of mentoring are undoubtedly compelling, but the sobering reality is that the vast majority of college students do not have access to effective or adequate mentoring options, and in turn, are not afforded their benefits. Within this solution, however, we must also acknowledge an important counterpoint—quality mentoring is not within everyone’s reach. The result is the mentoring gap.
Given the many reasons for the gap (difficulty organizing cross-functionally, small staff and budgets, etc.), a new model is needed to help more students and alumni close the gap. Universities will need to leverage technology, put students at the center, personalize offerings, and simplify/consolidate resources to achieve this goal. This will lead to better professional and career outcomes for students.
PeopleGrove has been working with 175+ universities and organizations across the country and internationally for nearly 3 years to help them connect their students and alumni to mentors and achieve better outcomes. Presenting from PeopleGrove will be Patrick Coleman, VP of Operations.
Capella is focused on a variety of mentoring initiatives, including flash mentoring, formal mentoring, peer mentoring/support, faculty/graduate assistant mentoring, etc. and has been serving non-traditional students since 1993. Presenting from Capella will be Dr. Genevieve Feliu, Dean of the School of Undergraduate Studies.
Reflection
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What mentoring options are available to your students today?
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What gaps do the mentoring options address for students, especially non-traditional students?
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How could you expand access to mentorship and reach more students, staff, etc. at your university?
Q&A/Group Discussion
Break into groups and select a non-traditional student type:
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Part-time
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Re-admit and re-entry
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Commuter
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Veteran
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Senior citizens
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Online/distance learners
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Works full-time while enrolled
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Has dependents other than a spouse/partner
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Adult learners (25 years and over)
What challenges does this student face, academically, professionally?
What mentorship options are currently available to this type of student?
How will/will not the current mentorship options help this student overcome his/her challenges and achieve success?
What changes might you make to help this student be more successful? To effectively serve other non-traditional students?