The Student-to-Alumni Mentoring Program at Michigan Public Health connects students with alumni to provide structured guidance, training, and networking opportunities throughout the academic year. The program aims to help students build social capital and explore professional development within the public health field.

The program is open to current students of Michigan Public Health and alumni who are willing to mentor. Both mentors and mentees need to sign up to participate.

Mentors and mentees are paired 1:1 based on degree, and interests identified during sign-up. Students are also given a two week period to indicate interest in working with specific mentors. The program coordinators facilitate a formal introduction between pairs to kick off the program.

Mentors and mentees are expected to communicate for 1-3 hours per month. This can include meetings, calls, or emails. The specific time commitment and preferred communication methods are determined by each pair at the start of their relationship

The program timeline can be found on the home page here. 

Mentors should support their mentee's professional development by:

• Engaging in discussions about challenges, successes, and goals.

• Helping clarify and brainstorm steps to achieve goals.

• Sharing insights and experiences from their professional journey.

• Encouraging regular communication and follow-up.

Mentees are responsible for:

• Initiating and driving the relationship.

• Scheduling and planning meetings, setting agendas, and sending follow-up emails.

• Meeting and communicating with their mentor at least once per month.

Resources for each meeting during the program can be found under the Meetings tab. Additional resources are available under the Resources tab.

The program provides various resources, including:

• Structured meeting guides and discussion themes.

• Access to mentorship resources via the Mentorship Meetings and Program Resources tabs.

• Staff support for any questions or concerns.

You do not! Mentors and mentees are welcome to take their relationship in whichever direction feels most helpful to the relationship. 

The sign-up form for mentors and students opens at the beginning of the school year. Keep an eye on your email and the program's website for the link and additional instructions.

If you miss the sign up period, please email us at sph.mentorship@umich.edu. 

Yes, while the formal program runs from November to April, mentors and mentees are encouraged to continue their relationship if they find it mutually beneficial.

For additional questions or support throughout the program, please contact sph.mentorship@umich.edu.