On its recent list of “24 reasons why mentorship is important,” the Indeed editorial team explained that mentors support growth, serve as sources of knowledge, help set goals, maintain accountability, offer encouragement, help make connections, offer constructive feedback and function as trusted allies. In return, mentors are rewarded by boosting their interpersonal skills, strengthening their knowledge, expanding their networks, receiving recognition, establishing leadership skills, adding to their qualifications, building confidence, gaining new perspectives, and being provided with a sense of fulfillment and self-reflection opportunities.

Realizing the value of such relationships and the mutually beneficial aspects for both parties, the University of Delaware Graduate College is launching Grad Leveraging Engaged Alumni Program (LEAP), an innovative mentorship program designed to provide holistic support for graduate students from UD graduate alumni mentors.

Offering a structured means of initiating and maintaining a professional relationship with alumni through personalized one-on-one advice, Grad LEAP is intended to prepare graduate students to meet a range of challenges by providing them with support from those who can share invaluable insights from their own academic and professional experiences. The program has also been established to build connections and community by giving graduate students guidance in the navigation of their academic, personal and professional goals and helping them spark meaningful conversations with their alumni mentors and others in their professional networks.

“Being a mentor is more important now than ever,” said Louis Rossi, dean of the Graduate College and vice provost for graduate and professional education. “We are excited for our students to meet our amazing alumni and to provide what we know will be a rewarding experience for all.”

Following the completion of a matching survey, matches will be made based on academic and professional interests and lived experiences. After the mentor-mentee pair is established, and participating alumni conclude mentor training, the pair will determine how they prefer to connect. Communication can take place via email, phone, text or in person when possible. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to be in touch with each other at least once a month. Discussion topics may include overcoming the unique challenges of graduate education and research, balancing the demands of graduate school and life, and preparing for academic, personal and career success.

Grad LEAP is enrolling graduate students and alumni mentors for the current academic year. For more information, visit www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/current-students/professional-development/professional-dev-initiatives or contact Suprawee Tepsuporn, senior assistant dean for graduate professional development, at suprawee@udel.edu.