Committed to Helping Students Connect, Learn and Succeed
Are you looking to build a supportive network and develop professional skills? The University of Michigan-Flint Success Mentorship Program is here to help.
Our program:
- Foster’s student achievement through peer and alumni relationships.
- Guides academic and career journeys.
- Helps mentees build communication skills and knowledge.
- It gives participants a sense of belonging in the UM-Flint community.
Join SMP to connect with experienced mentors who can support your growth as you navigate your time at UM-Flint and prepare for your professional future.
About the Success Mentorship Program
Mentees- Participating in the Success Mentorship Program will build practical communication skills, develop academic/professional career goals, learn how to navigate challenges, and connect with other students and/or alumni, enriching their student experience. All mentees must be currently enrolled as a student at UM-Flint.
Mentors- Mentors will serve as leaders and advise and guide students during the academic year. UM-Flint student and alumni mentors will participate in a brief asynchronous training, connect regularly with their mentees, and encourage their mentees to take advantage of opportunities that support student engagement in addition to academic and professional enrichment. Mentors will gain LinkedIn certification after completion of their mentor training.
UM-Flint has partnered with Mentor Collective to enhance its Success Mentorship Program. This collaboration uses data-driven insights to improve student belonging, increase retention, and reduce melt. Mentor Collective’s platform offers customizable solutions and actionable insights, fostering meaningful student connections. Early results show improved engagement and retention rates among participants, demonstrating UM-Flint’s commitment to student success and community building.
Undergraduate Mentor Elena says:
“In the fall I will be a Junior here, so I feel like I can give some good information on our university. I really enjoyed being a mentor last year and love to give back to the students!”
Graduate Mentor Abigail says:
“I struggled with deciding between PA school, Med school, and PT school and want to help similar students who are stressing about what to do with the rest of their lives.”
Undergraduate Mentorship
Mentees
Mentees in the undergraduate program must be considered new students, either this being their first time in college or a new transfer student.
Mentors
Mentors in the undergraduate program must be currently enrolled at UM-Flint and have accumulated at least 24 credit hours at UM-Flint.
Graduate Mentorship
Mentees
Mentees in the graduate program must be new, currently enrolled graduate students.
Mentors
Mentors in the graduate program must be enrolled at UM-Flint and have completed at least one year of a graduate program.
Alumni/Career Mentorship
Mentees
Career alumni program mentees must be enrolled sophomores, juniors, or seniors in an undergraduate program.
Mentors
Career/Alumni program mentors must have earned a bachelor’s degree from UM-Flint.
How it Works
Mentees will be matched with a peer mentor based on shared interests. Ranging from shared hobbies, career outlook, academic interests, personal background, and much more.
- UM-Flint will work with our partners at Mentor Collective to invite students and alumni to participate in any Success Mentorship Program.
- Students and alumni will sign up using the mentee or mentor registration links.
- Complete a brief matching survey about yourself and your background.
- Discover and connect with your mentor and/or mentee.
- Continue to connect with your mentor and/or mentee regularly throughout the year.
- Visit this FAQ page to learn more about how the Success Mentorship Program works and if it is a good fit for you!
Why Have a Mentor?
Being a new student on campus or transitioning into a graduate program can be exciting, but there can also be a few challenges. It’s good to be a part of a supportive network on and off campus and connect with a peer or alumni mentor ready to listen, inspire, and empower you as a student at UM-Flint. As a mentee, you and your mentor can discuss:
- How to set yourself up for academic, social, and career success by maximizing your UM-Flint experience and beyond.
- Accessing campus support services and resources.
- How to build your social and professional networks by engaging on campus, within academic programs, and taking advantage of professional development opportunities.
- How to navigate opportunities and challenges that may arise as a student.
Program Expectations
Everyone involved with the Success Mentorship Program wants you to succeed and feel supported while you are attending UM-Flint. Expectations of the SMP include:
- Academic Year-long commitment.
- Regularly log your conversations with your mentee and/or mentor.
- Monthly in-person/virtual check-ins with your mentee and/or mentor.
- Mentors are expected to complete a brief asynchronous Mentor Certification Training.
Join to Win a Book Scholarship
Program participants in the Success Mentorship Program are eligible to receive one of two $500 book scholarships that will be awarded based on mentee/mentor participation and engagement in the program and academic success. Participants will be asked to complete an application and complete a brief essay. The SMP book scholarship is currently closed and is expected to open in Fall 2025.
Programs and Activities Include:
- Campus/virtual events and programs
- Regular check-ins with your mentor/mentee
- Support to connect with campus resources
- Professional development opportunities provided by the Office of Career Advancement
For more information, contact Diamond Wilder at [email protected].