<h2>STAT Alumni Mentor Program - Information for Students</h2><br /><a href="#overview">Overview</a><br /><a href="#eligible">Eligibility</a><br /><a href="#time">Time Commitment and Meetings</a><br /><a href="#basics">Basics of Mentoring</a><br /><a href="#benefit">Benefits of Having a Mentor</a><br /><a href="#response">Responsibilities of Student Participants</a><br /><a href="/id0904f67a805727da" target="_blank">Student Participation Survey</a><br /><br /><h3><a name="overview"> </a>Overview</h3>You've done well in your studies and in your life and you have established a good foundation for an extraordinarily promising future. That's why you've joined the SIUE family. The thought of graduating and starting your career is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. The STAT Alumni Mentor Program is here to help. If you choose to participate, an alumni mentor can serve as a guide, a friend, a resource who successfully navigated the ins and outs of SIUE - rose to the challenge and reaped the rewards of graduating. Alumni mentors can use their SIUE education and experience to help pave the way for success at SIUE and beyond.<br /><br /><h3><a name="eligible"> </a>Eligibility</h3>All SIUE undergraduate and graduate students who are current members of STAT are eligible for this program. Participation in the mentor program is voluntary.<br /><br /><h3><a name="time"> </a>Time Commitment and Meetings</h3>The mentoring program requires a time commitment that can ultimately save valuable time as you learn to navigate your journey to graduate. You will stay connected with your mentor through face-to-face meetings, e-mail correspondence, phone calls, written letters or whatever communication you both find convenient. We recommend that you interact with your mentor a minimum of one to two times a month. You and your mentor may also consider options such as job shadowing, accompaniment to professional events or similar activities.<br /><br /><h3><a name="basics"> </a>Basics of Mentoring</h3>The basic objective of mentoring is to encourage and assist in the development and growth of a student. Each mentoring relationship will be different because of the student's development level, the student's needs, his or her personal interests and a mentor's strengths and talents. A mentor can provide a wide variety of assistance to students including providing career advice and networking tips, listening to a student's ideas and concerns, introducing them to new people, places, interests and ideas and encouraging them to set goals and develop a plan of action to reach them.<br /><br /><p>Good mentoring relationships are those that provide opportunities for the student to learn, grow and feel supported. Aside from giving information, strong mentors often both support and challenge. Mentors are helpers, but they are not assurers of success. Remember, a mentor is there to guide and support you, and to encourage your independence and self-reliance.</p><h3><a name="benefit"> </a>Benefits of Having a Mentor</h3><ul> <li>An opportunity to expand your view of SIUE</li> <li>Introduction to positive role models who have gone through similar experiences</li> <li>Friendship and guidance</li> <li>An outlet to discuss concerns</li> <li>A successful and productive experience at SIUE</li></ul><h3><a name="response"> </a>Responsibilities of Student Participants</h3><ul> <li>Sincere interest in developing a personal and professional relationship that supports your efforts towards graduation</li> <li>Commitment to have regular contact with your mentor</li> <li>Willingness to take responsibility for your own growth and success</li> <li>Willingness to attend SIUE Alumni Association and STAT events and to schedule recommended activities which support your mentoring relationship</li></ul><p>If you are interested in participating in the STAT Alumni Mentor Program, <a href="/id0904f67a805727da" target="_blank">click here</a> to fill out the Student Participation Form.</p>