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Who are the students?
Mentees are upper-class students majoring in LUC Computer Science and Information Technology programs.
 
Applicants are among Loyola’s most motivated students. To be admitted to the program, the student's application must be reviewed and approved by the CS/IT Mentoring Program team.
 
Who are the mentors?
Mentors may be alumni from any of LUC’s undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional schools. Mentors may also be friends of the University who are Chicago-area industry leaders in CS/IT fields. As such, mentors have a unique understanding of the Loyola CS experience and a commitment to helping students achieve success.

Mentors must be at least three years out from graduation but otherwise range in age, experience, and realm of expertise. Mentor professions may include lead software architects, developers or managers, cybersecurity professionals, IT executives, etc—the list goes on!
 
What are the goals of this program? 
The goals are to:
  • Provide positive role models who share insight into their undergraduate experiences and career paths as adults.
  • Offer career guidance and general professional advice to motivated undergraduates.
  • Introduce students to the alumni and/or Chicago computing industry community as well as other members of the larger LUC community.
  • Introduce the idea of building long-term relationships, networking, and the opportunity to practice and refine those skills.
  • Provide insight into different career areas for students (this program encourages career exploration).
  • Inspire students to pursue new fields of interest or confirm current fields of interest.
  • Motivate students to work toward long-term goals (through internships, part-time employment, other networking forums, full-time employment, and graduate school).
  • Help students polish resumes and improve interviewing skills.
  • Provide information on how to research specific employers or companies.
 
What are the expectations of a student mentee?
If admitted to the program, students are expected to be motivated, proactive, and exhibit the utmost professionalism at all times in recognition of the time their mentors are volunteering.
 
Note that with the exception of special circumstances, admission to the program is only granted to juniors and seniors.
 
Before being matched with a mentor, students must complete an application to facilitate matching.
 
Students planning on studying abroad over the course of the year who will not be able to meet, in person, with their mentor, are discouraged from applying for this program.
 
What are the expectations of a mentor?
The role of a mentor is to inspire, encourage, and provide regular, ongoing support. However, the mentoring commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the schedules and communication preferences of each pair.
 
Mentors-mentee pairs determine their own monthly meeting plan for interaction over the course of the academic year. They agree on the frequency and manner in which they will communicate at the initial Meet & Greet. We ask that you work with your student to determine the best way to communicate throughout the academic year—whether that's via email, telephone, video chat, or in person; at least initial in-person meetings are highly encouraged.
 
In-person attendance is requested at a number of in-person events for alumni and industry leaders living locally. We also ask that, if possible, you allow your student to spend some time shadowing you at your place of employment.
 
Mentors must be at least three years out from their own graduation.
 
How are mentors and mentees matched?
Participants are matched based on commonalities in their personal and professional profiles.  This generally focuses on the mentor's work experience and knowledge as it relates to the professional interests and aspirations of the student.
 
Also weighed in the matching process:
  • Similarities in the mentee's professional interest and mentor's professional experience or current employment
  • Commonalities in professional development projects in which student and mentor indicate interest
  • Shared character and personality traits as assessed through personal statement
  • Similarities in undergraduate profile: major, minor, club and activity involvement
What are checkpoint surveys?
Checkpoint Surveys are brief web-based assessments of a pair's progress. Occasionally, external challenges (personal, professional, or academic) can disrupt a mentor-mentee pair's initial communication plan. These surveys allow the Mentoring Program to evaluate and better support the needs of each pair. Most importantly, they are an opportunity for mentors and mentees to evaluate the current status of their relationship and identify areas for growth.
 
Providing regular feedback is vital to the success of each mentor-mentee pair, as well as the Mentoring Program as a whole.
 
There will be two to three checkpoint surveys over the course of the program.
 
What is considered an appropriate working relationship?
As a mentor, it is critical to remember that you are a role model. Though a trusting friendship may (and should) be the foundation of a mentor-mentee relationship, remember your mentee is not your peer.

Mentees are asked to respect the commitment of time and resources provided by their mentor.  Professionalism best practices should be observed in all interactions including, but not limited to, email, social media, phone calls, and in-person meetings.

Appropriate meeting places include your place of business (job shadowing), a public place, or one of LUC’s campuses, while inappropriate meeting places include bars, malls, apartments, and dorm rooms.

Consuming alcohol with or buying alcohol for your underage mentee is strictly prohibited.
 
I have further questions about the program, who can I contact?
Those interested in serving as mentors may contact Susan Malisch at smalisc@luc.edu or (773) 508-7750.

Interested students may contact Dr. Robert Yacobellis at ryacobellis@luc.edu or (773) 508-3991.