Starting off as a new professional in the growing field of providing GLBT resources in higher education can often be a difficult experience. Most universities only have one person, maybe two, doing this sort of work. Often there are not any other universities in the nearby area with a resource center or GLBT professional. For many new professionals they may be the first person hired by the university to provide GLBT resources. Some people have the added challenge of beginning as a graduate assistant or part-time professional without more experienced mentors at their university or in the nearby area.

As the field grows there is an increasing number of skilled professionals who have experience in providing GLBT resources. The Consortium has begun a mentoring program to match skilled and experienced professionals with newer professionals to provide assistance and support as people begin their careers. Professionals who are in the first two years of their career providing GLBT resources in higher education may sign up to receive a mentor. If you have been a full-time professional providing GLBT resources in higher education for more than two years, consider signing up to be a mentor.

The roles and responsibilities of a mentor are to:

• Provide professional support
• Help answer questions or sort through difficult situations
• Act as a sounding board
• Provide resources
• Introduce the mentee to colleagues at professional conferences
• Maintain confidentiality
• Be clear regarding time commitment and boundaries

The roles and responsibilities of the mentee are to:

• Play an active role in the mentoring relationship
• Actively identify areas where you need assistance
• Respect the time commitment and boundaries of the mentor

We ask for a one year commitment to the mentoring relationship. Mentors and mentees can communicate through e-mail, phone calls, or letters. If your campuses are geographically accessible you may also consider in-person meetings. We try to match mentors and mentees on a number of factors, including available and needed time commitment. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the mentor and mentee to work out a mutually satisfactory arrangement in terms of communication methods and time commitment. For most mentors and mentees we expect that you will communicate at least once a month, and more frequently if needed.

After you have submitted your application to be a mentor or a mentee you will usually be contacted within 3 weeks. If you have any questions about the mentoring program, please feel free to contact the mentoring committee.

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