SWLC Mentor Program

The ��Ƶ Women’s Leadership Council (SWLC) is committed to taking an active leadership role that will have a sustainable impact on ��Ƶ, it's students and alumni, and members of the community.

To support the mission, council members will provide their time and talent through mentoring. Mentoring will provide mentees with guidance, instruction and personal and career development.

To achieve success the mentoring program will align with the following areas:

Leadership Development

Encourage the development of leadership, gained through application and guided practice.

Career Development

Help students plan and develop their careers. Mentoring will help students with self-confidence and to be self-reliant in their careers.

Professional Identity

Contribute to the understanding of what it means to be a professional in the working environment.

Skills Enhancement

Share skills and knowledge learned from successful and experienced professionals to pass on their expertise and help the mentee acquire specified skills.

Education Support

Help to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Formal education and training are complemented by the knowledge and hands-on experience of a mentor.

Student Retention

Provide a supportive environment. Ongoing coaching and teaching will enhance the education experience and assist in graduation completion.

Mentoring Benefits & Responsibilities

Mentoring relationships have positive effects on people in a variety of personal, academic and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity.

The success of the mentoring program will depend on clearly defined roles and expectations. The mentee’s development depends on exploring:

Career aspirations, strengths and weaknesses
Collaborating on the means to “get there” and implementing strategies
Evaluating along the way; mentor will help light the path for the mentee to follow

Benefits of Mentoring

Renews enthusiasm for the role of the expert
Obtains greater understanding of the student experience (needs of internships, barriers for students, etc.)
Enhances skills in coaching, counseling, listening and modeling
Develops and practices a more personal style of leadership
Increases generational awareness

Mentor Responsibilities

Support the SWLC’s mission, vision and goals
Meet with your mentee and/or engage in mentoring activities (or on the telephone or via email as agreed upon)
Willing to share your experience and professional successes
Stay accessible, committed and engaged during the mentorship period
Listen and offer encouragement
Provide open and candid feedback
Be a positive role model, resource and sounding board
Share “lessons learned” from own experiences

Benefits of Becoming a Mentee

Complements ongoing formal study
Gains career development ideas and opportunities
Demonstrates strengths and explores potential
Increases career networks and receives greater exposure
Improves ability to express goals
Receives knowledge of professional expectations and what is needed to grow professionally

Mentee Responsibilities

Meet with your mentor and/or engage in mentoring activities (or on the telephone or via email as agreed upon)
Be proactive about contacting your mentor and commit to meetings scheduled
Commit to self-development
Discuss goals and development plan with mentor
Discuss challenges and concerns so the mentor can assist you
Go prepared to meetings (note items for discussion)
Be receptive to feedback
Respect the mentor’s time and resources
Stay accessible, committed and engaged during the mentorship period

Program Applications

Applications for the ��Ƶ Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program will be accepted each spring academic semester. Applications are closed for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Upcoming Events

Sept

Mentoring Orientation

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 4:30 p.m.

Townsend Residential Life Center (located near the dorms and Parking Lot 6)

Kick off the SWLC Mentoring Program with an engaging hour of networking, information, and fun. Meet your fellow mentors and mentees, learn more about SWLC, and enjoy light refreshments as you begin your mentoring journey.

View More Events | Full Events Calendar