In Homer's Odyssey the sage mentor was trusted to guide Odysseus' son. Since then, mentors have supported, advised, encouraged and befriended. At many colleges faculty members become mentors both informally and through special programs Some examples:
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Western Michigan University has a year-long faculty mentor program for minority freshman, although all students may participate.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rutgers are just two of the many colleges that offer internships for their female students in technology and the sciences.
Every student at the University of Cincinnati College of Business is assigned mentors from both the faculty and the business community; at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, trustees mentor undergraduates.
Hamline University (Minn.) faculty members lead seminar courses for freshmen on such topics as Living in a Rape Culture and act as advisers throughout the fall semester, when students most need help.
Rice freshmen are assigned a small academic-advising group that includes faculty mentors who will work with them all four years. Emory University's six-week fame (Freshman Advising and Mentoring) program provides a faculty mentor and two upper-class advisers.
At the University of Florida, undergraduates work with a faculty member on research that is later published in an electronic journal.
When applying to college, inquire about mentoring opportunities. If there is no special program, take the initiative and approach a professor whom you admire or whose field interests you. You may create a relationship that serves you well for years to come.
