Mentor-Mentee FAQs
What is the Mentor-Mentee Program?
The M&M Program was established in 1995 as a platform for faculty and students interested in working together in either research or creative projects. The student member of a M&M Team conducts independent research and engages in a creative project which may either be independent of or related to the faculty member's research or project agenda, which the faculty member serves as a mentor-collaborator.
What's an M&M Project?
M&M Projects are product-oriented faculty development opportunities; that is, they result in a tangible product for the faculty. In the past, mentee-students have published project results in academic or professional journals, given formal presentations at academic and scientific meetings, conducted presentations for groups or organizations external to the University, written analytical computer programs, or produced original pieces of art or held artistic exhibitions and workshops.
Are there student requirements or expectations?
Student-mentees are asked to conduct at least one LEAD Program for the undergraduate population of the University during the spring semester focusing on their project.
What is the length of a Mentor-Mentee Project?
Typically, M&M Projects last for one full academic year, starting in the fall and concluding toward the end of the spring semester. On occasion, projects have entailed preparatory work in the summer before the academic year in which they are scheduled. If such work is anticipated, it should be noted in the project proposal.
What sorts of M&M Projects are possible?
Projects are spurred primarily by faculty research and creative interests. There are few limitations on M&M Project possibilities. Previous mentor and mentee projects have been:
- Implementing first Equestrian Special Olympics for State of Missouri;
- In its Infancy: The Rhetoric of Adoption
- Healing Arts in the Community
- Calcium Absorption in Premature Infants
- Horror Movies in the 60's and 70's
- Assessment of Personality Traits
- Retraining the Problem Horse
- Painting Techniques of the Old Masters
- Historical Research into the African-American Community Life in Kansas City;
- Analysis of Communications Patterns among College Students;
- Investigation of Tick-Borne Diseases in Missouri;
- Value of Social Services to the Corporate Bottom Line; and
- Comparative Studies of Women in India and the United States.
What are the financial aspects of student participation?
Individual student-mentees are eligible for stipends ranging from $500 (for single-semester projects) to $1000 (for two-semester projects). For projects with multiple mentees, stipends are divided equally among the participating number of students. A final presentation must be conducted and a tangible permanent record provided to the Committee for the University Library prior to payment of the stipend.
Who can serve as a Mentor?
Only regular faculty members of William Woods University may serve as mentors for M&M Projects.
What are the student requirements for application?
Students should possess those attributes and characteristics typically associated with success in scholarship and/or creative endeavor: e.g. persistence, maturity, intellectual capacity and honesty, independence, academic accomplishment, initiative, and the capacity to work in a collaborative setting.
Additionally, to be considered for participation in the M&M Program students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a full-time student and enrolled in the semester program of the University;
- Be in good academic standing; that is, not be on academic probation or strict probation;
- Have a cumulative grade point average in all work at the University of 3.0 or better; and
- Be willing and able to devote approximately 5-10 hours a week to the project during its duration.
So, what's this business about faculty-student collaboration?
While the Program involves a student-faculty relationship, its intent is to achieve a collaborative linage between the faculty member-mentor and the student-mentee in which both are involved in dimensions of a single project and are linked through a shared dependence upon the work of the other. Within this context, the faculty member-mentor serves as the principal investigator in a team setting. The student-mentee acts as a research assistant to the faculty member.
Are there other ways to find out about the Mentor-Mentee Program?
Yes! While this document does provide a great deal of information, it's not like talking to someone personally. Visit with Co-chairs of the Program:
Visit with past M&M Mentors
Visit with any of the faculty members who have participated in the Program over the years. A complete list can be found under "Project History". Some of their names, respective fields of study, campus phone extension, email addresses, and building/office locations are as follows:
Visit with a M&M Student-Mentee
Interested students may also be able to visit with student-mentees who have participated or are now participating in the program. See Project History
Are M&M Projects Competitive?
Yes. Proposals for M&M Projects must be developed and submitted by prospective mentors, and are reviewed by a selection committee. The number of projects that may be authorized for any particular year will vary based on the number of applicants, the quality of applications, and the availability of financial support for projects.
How do I become a Mentee?
There are two ways:
- You respond to a faculty member's Proposal: Visit with a faculty member who has posted a project and is seeking a mentee.
- You respond to a faculty member's invitation: A faculty member may contact you directly regarding your possible interest in participating in a M&M Project.