Faculty Mentoring is an opportunity for you to interact with faculty in a less intimidating situtation and to gain great insight about your classes and how they might related to your post graduation or future employment goals. This is the time to really understand how wh
at you do in the classroom is connected to what you might actually do in the real world of work.
- clarify course guidelines, the syllabus, a specific assignment, lecture, or discussion;
- understand the professor's comments on papers or assignments;
- improve your grades;
- communicate about absences or illnesses;
- get advice on graduate study programs or future work plans;
- obtain suggestions for self-improvement, books to read, etc.
Even if you have a perfect understanding of the class material, your professors can still help you push yourself to do your best. For example, they can give you suggestions for related reading or help you explore and choose topics for an assignment. A huge advantage of seeing your professor before turning in a paper or taking a test is that the professor gains insight into how hard you have prepared. This will be an important factor when it comes to grading your work, since it makes your professor more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt and to give you credit for your effort. When it comes time to apply for internships, jobs, or graduate school, you'll probably need professors to write letters of recommendation for you. And your professors may be able to help you plug into a professional community that you might otherwise not be aware of or have access to.
Take the time to get to know your professors and find out about their interests, the research they may be working on, or what books or articles they may be writing. You'll be amazed at how accomplished some of your professors are!
Inquire about the process of scheduling an appointment with the faculty within your area of study and experience the opportunities available from gleaning from the wisdom and expertise your professors can offer.