Alumni & Students Mentorship Program

This program aims to connect current students with SOMD alumni who are eager to share their experiences, offer guidance, and provide support as students navigate both their academic and professional journeys.

Each year, we will create a mentorship cohort consisting of 3 alumni mentors and a select group of approximately 10 students, chosen through an application process centered around a specific theme.

The cohort will meet as a group once every other month for a 90-minute session to explore topics related to the theme, followed by a feedback session where mentees can bring their ideas, challenges, or questions for discussion. Throughout the program, mentees will also have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one mentorship session with a mentor to receive personalized guidance in achieving their individual goals (1:1 will be paired based on mentee preference and mentor availability). 

What Do You Get as a Mentor in This Program?

  • Opportunity to network with fellow mentors, alumni, and current students
  • A chance to give back to the UO SOMD community
  • Valuable experience as a mentor that can support your own professional development

What Do You Get as a Mentee in This Program?

  • Networking opportunities with alumni and industry professionals
  • Practical tips and insights to enhance your career and academic goals
  • Opportunity to collaborate within a cohort to brainstorm and problem-solve creative ideas and solutions

TIME COMMITMENT

Mentor

  • Group Mentorship Sessions: Attend group sessions over the course of the program (approximately 90 minutes per session). These meetings will take place every other month.
  • Individual Mentorship Sessions as needed/requested: 2-3 individual sessions with mentees (45 min sessions)   
  • Other Meetings: Kick off meeting at the start of the program & in-person celebration in June

Mentee

  • Group Mentorship Sessions: Attend group sessions over the course of the program (approximately 90 minutes per session). These meetings will take place every other month.
  • Individual Mentorship Sessions as needed/requested: 1 individual session with a mentor (45 min sessions) 
  • Other Meetings: Kick off meeting at the start of the program & in-person celebration in June 

2024-2025 SCHEDULE & THEME 

Theme: Freelancing and gig opportunities.

Mentors

Timeline

  • January 21, 2025 at 5pm: Introductory session via Zoom, featuring mentor-mentee introductions and an informational session on the benefits of mentorship.
  • February, April, and June 2025: Three mentorship meetings via Zoom (Once in the month of Feb, Apr and June - dates/times TBD).
  • June 2025: In-person meetup and celebration at SOMD (details TBD).

Interested in participating? Due December 20, 2024

Please note: This year, the program will follow a shortened cycle. In future years, the program will run from October to June.

FUTURE PARTICIPATION 

Are you interested in participating in a future year of this program or have theme suggestions you’d like to explore as a mentor or mentee? Take a few minutes to share some ideas:

QUESTIONS?

Wakako Stevens, SOMD Donor & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Kathie Hsieh, SOMD Student Services Coordinator and Graduate Advisor