CS Mentoring Program
What is the CS Mentoring program
The CS Mentoring Program is a growing network of students in the Computer Science Department who cultivate supportive and inclusive mentoring relationships with students interested in pursuing any major in the department.
Who can be a mentor?
Any declared major in the department or graduate student can sign up to be a mentor. If you take on this role, we will provide resources and support to facilitate your professional development and give you the resources to cultivate a positive growth experience for you and your mentee.
Why should I become a mentor?
You should be a mentor for two reasons. First, you would get to provide guidance, encouragement and support to a less experienced student. You are further along in your CS educational journey than your mentee and this is a chance to share what you’ve learned along the way! Second, mentoring isn’t just for your mentee; research shows that mentors see their own growth in professional development, communication and leadership skills.
Who can be a mentee?
If you're considering any major offered in the Computer Science Department and are currently taking a course towards that goal you can sign up to be a mentee.
Why should I become a mentee?
You should sign up as a mentee if you want the perspective of someone who is a step or two ahead of you on the path to getting their CS degree. Your mentor is here to provide encouragement and advice, answer questions that you have, and direct you to people or resources that can help you.
Hear about Mentor Experiences
”Being a mentor has been such a rewarding experience! To share your struggles with fellow students in the pre-major is one thing, but to have guidance from someone who went through those same struggles and made it out okay is another. As someone who struggled a lot during my journey, including some disheartening rejections, I know how important it is to make those connections with people. We love to help our fellow humans!” -Takira Boltman, She/her/hers
“Mentoring in the CS program has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. It's not just about providing guidance: it's a two-way exchange of experiences and growth. I've gained so much from hearing about my mentee's experiences and sharing my own.” - Caroline Kays, she/they
Hear about Mentee Experiences
”My experience with the program has made the CS major seem less daunting and more attainable. My mentor has given me great advice in terms of professors, classes, internships, and other random industry information. Having a mentor makes me feel more involved in the department and it's comforting to feel like someone is watching out for me. Knowledge is power, and so is community!” -Ada Kolze, she/her
What are the expectations of a mentor/mentee?
As a mentor in this program we expect you to:
- Meet with your mentee up to one hour per month. This could be a weekly 15 minute conversation, or a monthly one hour chat. We suggest shorter, more regular conversations at first, but as you develop rapport a single, longer conversation might be more appropriate.
- Get to know your mentee and accept them for who they are regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, educational background, or socioeconomic background
- Listen actively, ask questions and show that you care about your mentee’s success
- Provide guidance, support, and encouragement
What is not expected of a mentor?
A mentor is not a tutor, a therapist, an academic advisor, or a counselor. Mentors can touch on many topics but if the mentee has a serious need you should be directing them to appropriate resources. We’ll help you with that and you can always turn to us if you, as a mentor, need advice.