Alumni Mentoring Program
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Alumni Mentoring Program was created to help our students achieve academic and professional success, prepare for their careers in nursing, and become active Nese College of Nursing alumni. The program encourages students to explore career planning, college to career transition, and leadership development with an alumni mentor. Our alumni have a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, talents, and interests. Our program pairs students with mentors that complement their interests and professional aspirations. Participants are provided with a structure for connecting with one another but are encouraged to allow their relationship to develop organically. Mentoring is an equal partnership between two individuals who will benefit from the relationship in direct proportion to what they invest.
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Alumni Mentoring Program is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to:
- Build effective and supportive personal and professional relationships
- Share challenges and experiences
- Set goals for personal growth and learning within the mentoring relationship
Eligibility
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Alumni Mentoring Program is housed on the Penn State Alumni Association’s LionLink platform.
Mentees
The Alumni Mentoring Program is open to all students, with priority given to rising third- and fourth-year nursing students at any Penn State campus.
Students may apply here for Fall the 2024 – Spring 2025 academic year.
Mentors
Mentors must be nursing graduates of The Pennsylvania State University.
Mentors may apply here for Fall 2024 – Spring 2025 academic year.
Program Commitments
Mentor pairs should plan to meet at least once a month, with at least one meeting a year being in-person.
Other programs/workshops will be offered throughout the academic year for pairs to attend together.
Get More Information
If you have any questions, please call 814-863-4039 or email conalumni@psu.edu.
FAQs?
What is the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Alumni Mentoring Program?
The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing Alumni Mentoring Program connects nursing students and alumni by matching third-year students (juniors) with nurse alumni who can offer wisdom and guidance about a career in nursing.
What is the time commitment / length of the mentoring program?
The mentoring program is designed with the expectation that pairs will maintain their relationship throughout students’ third and fourth (junior/senior) years, as students immerse in coursework, clinical and capstone experiences, research internship opportunities, and make post-graduation plans. However, some mentor pairs continue their relationship well past graduation!
2023-2024 Mentoring Timeline
September 2023 – Applications for mentors and mentees open
Late-October 2023 – Matches occur
Applications will stay open and matches will continue to be made as students and mentees apply
Virtual events will be added and communicated to mentors and mentees.
What are the requirements of the mentoring program?
Mentoring is an equal partnership between two individuals who will benefit from the relationship in direct proportion to what they invest.
Mentor pairs should plan to meet at least once a month, with at least one meeting a year being in-person.
Other programs/workshops will be offered throughout the academic year for pairs to attend together.
How are students and mentors matched?
We are going to try to make the best match possible based on career aspirations, personal interests, and location. We recognize, and hope you do too, that any mentoring relationship is valuable, and that you will be rewarded for the time you invest.
What if I am no longer a clinical nurse, can I still be a mentor?
That’s ok! Your skills, experience, and encouragement are assets to your mentee, no matter your current position.
I’m a student, how do I apply?
Students can apply by following this link.
I’m a mentor, how do I apply?
Mentors can apply by following this link.
