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 a term 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.

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

Mentors & Mentees

  • Group Mentorship Sessions: Attend group sessions over the course of the program (approximately 90 minutes per session). These meetings will take place November 18, 2025, February 24, 2026, and May 19, 2026.
  • Individual Mentorship Sessions as needed/requested
  • Other Meetings: Kick-off meeting at the start of the program in October 2025 & in-person celebration in Homecoming weekend in 2026 (Dates: TBA)

2026-2027 Schedule and Theme

Theme: Career pathways that support the performing arts, including roles beyond performing itself

Focus topics examples

  • What career paths exist in the performing arts beyond performing, and how did you find your path?
  • What skills from your music/dance degree have been most valuable in your current profession?
  • How can students gain relevant experience while still in school?
  • What does a typical day or week look like in your role?
  • What mistakes should early-career professionals avoid in arts-supporting fields?
  • How do you build and maintain professional networks in the arts industry?

Mentors

A.T. Moffett (2010, MFA Dance)
Adrian Cervantes (2025, BA Music History and Culture, Cello)
Lauren Watt (2011, BM Music Performance, Saxophone, and 2018, MS Art Management)

Timeline

  • Friday, October 16, 2026: SOMD& OMB Reunion | In-person meetup and kick-off at SOMD (more details coming soon).
  • Tuesday, November 17, 2027, 5:00-6:30 PM PST: Session #1 via Zoom
  • Tuesday, February 23, 2027, 5:00-6:30 PM PST: Session #2 via Zoom
  • Tuesday, May 18, 2027, 5:00-6:30 PM PST: Session #3 via Zoom
  • TBA (Homecoming weekend): In-person meetup and celebration at SOMD.

Interested in participating? 

Application due May 26, 2026, by 5 pm

Apply Here

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