The CCAPS Mentor Program connects CCAPS alumni and other industry professionals with CCAPS mentees/students who share similar areas of professional and educational interests and goals. CCAPS students in the programs listed below are eligible to be mentees; however, current CCAPS students are not eligible to be mentors.
To allow for maximum flexibility, the 2023–24 CCAPS Mentor Program will be a hybrid program of in-person and virtual options. No in-person meetings are expected or required, and all orientations will be offered virtually.
During the application process, you will be able to indicate your preference for meeting in person, hybrid, or virtual only (as well as if you are based in/outside of the Twin Cities). We will do our best to match you with your preferences, but all are expected to conduct virtual meetings if in person cannot take place.
Participating Programs
- Construction & Facilities Management
- Health & Wellbeing Sciences
- Health Services Management
- Information Technology Infrastructure
- Inter-College Program
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Master of Biological Sciences
- Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling
- Master of Professional Studies in Applied Science Leadership
- Master of Professional Studies in Arts and Cultural Leadership
- Master of Professional Studies in Civic Engagement
- Master of Professional Studies in Horticulture
- Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health
- Master of Professional Studies in Sexual Health
What Do Students Gain?
The CCAPS Mentor program allows students to:
- Explore current industry issues and potential career paths
- Learn how to build or expand your professional network
- Enhance professional and communication skills
- Connect knowledge learned in the classroom with future career goals
- Explore new areas of interest
- Gain insight on transitioning to the workplace or a new career path
Mentee/Student Eligibility
To be eligible, students must be:
- enrolled in both fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters.
- in good academic standing.
- able to attend one of the mandatory student orientation sessions.
Students must also meet the program requirements that appear below. (If you're unsure you meet the requirements, please apply by the deadline and we will verify your status, or reach out to your academic advisor.)
Undergraduate Degree Programs | Program Requirements |
Construction & Facilities Management | 30 credits |
Health & Wellbeing Sciences | Major status or currently enrolled in ICP 3101W |
Health Services Management | 30 credits |
Information Technology Infrastructure | 30 credits |
Inter-College Program | Major status or currently enrolled in ICP 3101W |
Multidisciplinary Studies | Major status or currently enrolled in MDS 3001W |
Graduate Degree Programs | Program Requirements |
Master of Biological Sciences | 15 credits |
Master of Professional Studies in Addictions Counseling | 15 credits |
Master of Professional Studies in Applied Science Leadership | 15 credits |
Master of Professional Studies in Arts and Cultural Leadership | 15 credits |
Master of Professional Studies in Civic Engagement | 15 credits |
Master of Professional Studies in Horticulture | 15 credits |
Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health | 40 credits |
Master of Professional Studies in Sexual Health | 15 credits |
Note: CCAPS cannot guarantee a mentee/student or mentor for every applicant. The clarity of goals and answers to the application, availability of a suitable match, providing information in the required timeline, and student attendance in the orientation are required to be considered for a CCAPS Mentor match.
Mentee/Student Expectations
To participate in the program students must:
- initiate regular contact with your mentor via phone, email, and meetings (virtual).
- be proactive and willing to meet your mentor at least once a month, and see the relationship through to its official end (October–April).
- discuss your goals, needs, and what you hope to gain from the relationship with your mentor.
- participate in self-reflection and self-development and receive feedback.
- act professionally at all times and return phone calls/emails in a timely manner.
- understand that the mentor program is NOT a job placement program.
- notify the mentor program staff if circumstances require you to stop participating in the mentorship program or if there is a concern with the mentoring relationship.
Read the Mentor Program Handbook for more information.
Mentor Expectations
The mentor’s role is to help CCAPS students get the most out of their college experience and to help them transition to graduate/professional school or the workplace. Mentors do not need to live in the Twin Cities area to participate. Mentor expectations include:
- commit to being accessible and engaged in mentoring one student during the entirety of the program (October–April).
- help students establish realistic and attainable goals and identify ways to achieve them.
- provide guidance and support by sharing personal and professional experiences.
- offer constructive suggestions and feedback.
- determine how your expertise can help your student in meeting their career goals.
- ask good questions that help students explore their own values and needs, or make informed decisions.
- contact mentor program staff if there is a concern with the mentoring relationship.
- see the Mentor Program Handbook for additional information.
There is no expectation that internships or employment will result from this experience.
Structure and Timeline (2023–24)
All events are virtual unless otherwise noted.
Date(s) | Event |
---|---|
August 1–September 15 | Mentor Application Open |
September 5–15 | Mentee/Student Application Open |
By September 24 | Required: Complete Mentee/Student Onlie Canvas Orientation and Review Mentee/Student Handbook We will not match you if you haven't completed the Canvas Orientation by this date. |
September 15–September 29 | Mentees/Students browse Mentor profiles and select favorites |
By October 13 | Mentees/Students and mentors will receive their match information through the platform via email |
October 16–noon CDT or October 17–5:00 p.m. CDT or October 25–8:00 a.m. CDT | Required: Mentor-Only Orientation (1 hour) & Review Mentor Handbook |
November 8, 7:30–9 a.m. CST | CCAPS Mentor Program Kickoff (in person). All that are able to attend* in person are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to meet and connect with their mentor pair. An activity will be planned to help pairs establish goals. A virtual option will also be offered. If pairs are not able to attend, schedule a separate first meeting by this date. |
November 16, noon–1 p.m. CST | Mentor Meet-Up: Focus on Student Mental Health |
November 17 | Required: By this date, each Mentee/Student submits the CCAPS Mentorship Agreement & Goals to CCAPS Mentor Program Staff |
January 18, 2024, noon–1 p.m. CST | Mentor Meet-Up: Focus on Mid-Year Challenges |
February 15, 2024, noon–1 p.m. CST | Mentor Meet-Up: Focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging |
March 14, 2024, noon–1 p.m. CDT | Mentor Meet-Up: Focus on Year-End Reflection |
April 1 | CCAPS Mentor Program officially closes U of M Mentor Appreciation Event |
April 30 | CCAPS Mentor Program officially closes |
May 1 | All Mentors and Mentees/Students will be required to complete an evaluation at the end of the program |