Purpose and General Overview

The Professional Mentoring Academy connects sophomore, junior, and senior students to experienced professionals from the KSU Foundation, KSU alumni, campus Advisory Boards, and KSU faculty and staff.​ Benefits for students include exclusive access to a robust network of professionals who are eager and willing to meet and share insight about life beyond college.​ Industry professionals will have the opportunity to mentor students on academic guidance, career advice, and personal development for an academic year. Mentors and mentees will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one and group mentoring formats. Through a selective process, professional mentors and mentees will be matched based on career field, academic background, availability, and hobbies and interests. ​

Commitment

  • The program commitment is one academic year. Mentor/Mentee pairs are expected to meet at least once per month through face-to-face, phone/video conferencing, or email contact to discuss areas of interest relevant to the mentees continued success as a young professional.
  • In addition to the monthly meeting expectations, the mentor/mentee pairs will be expected to attend a series of scheduled mentoring events throughout the year. 

Recruitment Process

  • Student mentees will be recruited during the summer and a personal profile will be created for each available mentee.
  • Mentee Profiles will be shared with Foundation Trustees, Alumni Relations, and various Advisory Boards throughout the university to identify appropriate mentor matches. 

Tentative Event and Activity Schedule

Mentee and Professional Mentor Applications Open (July 2021) 
Program recruitments begins Summer 2021 semester and will continue until the beginning of the Fall. Applications available on the program website.
 
Information Sessions (August 2021) 
Information Sessions will be hosted to provide a general overview of the Professional Mentoring Academy including roles and responsibilities of mentees, expectations, and program incentives. 
 
Interview/Screening Process (September 1-13, 2021) 
Professional Mentoring Academy applications open April 2020 and will remain open through Friday, September 11, 2020. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. Final interviews will be concluded by Friday, September 18, 2020, and prospective Mentee profiles will be shared with the Foundation, Alumni Relations, and various Advisory Boards throughout the University 
 
PMA Mentee Orientation  
Friday, September 24 from 10 AM – 12 PM 
Bagwell Education Building Room 131 
An orientation to prepare mentees and provide techniques on how to maximize the mentoring relationship  
 
***Mentee/Mentor Pairings completed (Thursday, September 30, 2021) *** 
 
PMA Mixer and Networking Event  
Wednesday, October 20 from 6 PM – 7:30 PM 
Prillaman Hall Indoor Plaza 
Mentee/Mentor pairs will come together to networking. The cohort of mentors and mentees will take part in a professional goal setting premier activity. 
 
Lessons in Leadership Dinner  
Tuesday January 25 from 6 PM – 8 PM 
Carmichael Student Center, University Rooms 
Leadership panel will involve professional mentors sharing their expertise on leadership, career success, and personal development. Mentors/mentees will also be provided time to socialize and network. 
  
Mentor/Mentee Day of Service Project (April 2022 TBA) 
Professional Mentoring Academy will host a special project in support of KSU’s Day of Service. 
 
End of Year Mentor Mixer 
Wednesday, April 13 from 6 PM – 7:30 PM 
Clendenin Building Room 1009 
Special night honoring our Professional Mentoring Academy mentors and mentees. Includes mentor/mentee testimonials, dinner, awards and recognition.