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Mentor a Student

Staff member guiding two students through a service-learning project at a table.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you serve as an educator, role model and evaluator throughout the student's field experience.

Help students understand health and human service delivery systems and the professional roles and behaviors expected within them. Mentors support learning through regular supervision, reflection and opportunities to apply academic knowledge in a professional setting.

Mentors also support the student's agreed-upon HHSPP Capstone Project or identify another staff member who can provide that guidance.

Help students develop the knowledge, values and skills needed for careers in health and human services. This includes:

  • Discussing relevant legal and ethical issues.
  • Clarifying the student's role, responsibilities and learning activities.
  • Modeling appropriate professional conduct and interpersonal skills.
  • Helping students connect their academic learning and field seminar experiences with professional practice.
  • Supporting the transition from student to professional.

Regular feedback helps students recognize their strengths, identify areas for growth and adjust their performance.

Mentors meet with students for at least one hour each week to discuss their work, learning activities, professional development and challenges. Mentors also complete an evaluation at the end of each semester to help the student and Field Practice Program faculty assess progress and professional growth.

Encouraging students to reflect on and evaluate their own performance can also help them develop important self-assessment skills.