REGION 10 MENTORING PROGRAM

Overview

Mentoring in academic advising has long been a recognized practice, with mentors and academic advisors often sharing similar qualities. Both roles are committed to fostering personal growth and development. However, mentoring encompasses more than just academic advising. This program is designed to emphasize professional development and the cultivation of meaningful connections.

The Region 10 program aims to pair experienced advisors with newcomers to the field. It will help new advisors set professional goals and engage in structured monthly activities to strengthen their mentoring relationships. Each month, the pairs will receive an email with discussion topics and prompts to facilitate their conversations. The Mentoring Committee will support both mentors and mentees, helping them navigate resources and address any questions related to the program and NACADA. Learning Partners are matched based on shared or common interests within the field of academic advising. 

Program Outcomes

Develop Professional Goals: New advisors will be able to establish clear and actionable professional goals with the guidance of experienced mentors, enhancing their career trajectory and professional development. Learning partners will identify scholarly activities, projects or research. 

Facilitate Discussions: Participants will use provided discussion topics and prompts to initiate and maintain meaningful conversations, fostering deeper understanding and professional insights. 

Utilize Program Resources: Participants will effectively navigate and utilize the resources and support provided by the Mentoring Program and NACADA, addressing questions and overcoming challenges related to the program.

Expand Professional Network and Organizational Connections: Participants will enhance their connection to NACADA and the Region 10 community while significantly increasing their professional network through active engagement in program activities and networking opportunities.

Eligibility

  • Current NACADA membership at the time of application and for the duration of the program. 

  • Resides in a state or employed by an institution within Region 10.   

Requirements

  • One year commitment.

  • Monthly communication with your mentor or mentee using agreed-upon methods (email, phone, Zoom, etc.).

  • Participate in a synchronous, online program launch event.

  • Attendance at Region or Annual Conferences is recommended but not mandatory.

  • Check-in meetings 

  • Mentors may be assigned more than one mentee if they indicate availability on their application.

  • If a mentor or mentee becomes unresponsive, or if you move outside the region or change positions, contact the Mentoring Committee for troubleshooting or re-matching.

Roles

Mentor

A mentor is defined as an experienced professional who provides guidance, support, and encouragement, often focusing on mentee personal and professional development. Mentors typically offer deeper insights into the field of higher education and academic advising. 

Mentee

A mentee is defined as a new professional who is receiving guidance and support from a mentor. This relationship is characterized by the mentee seeking knowledge, advice, and encouragement from a more experienced professional to aid in their academic and personal development.

Learning Partners

Learning partners are defined as a group of professionals who share common interests in topics, research, or projects related to academic advising. This partnership emphasizes collaboration and support, aiming to enhance current practices or co-create innovative ideas that provide professional growth and/or can be shared with the broader academic community.

Committee

Kami Merrifield | Region 10 Mentoring Chair
University of Arizona

Emily Burruel Bonney | Committee 
University of Arizona

Kim Bowler | Committee
Utah Tech University

Timeline

  • November 1 | Mentoring Program interest form available

  • February 1 | Deadline to submit program interest form

  • March 1 | Matches are announced and program begins

Mentoring Program Interest Form