FAQ
What is the time commitment?
The student alumni mentorship program runs from February through December. The registration period for student mentees and alumni mentors will be in the month of January. The matching and introductions will occur at the beginning of February. The program will officially end in December.
What if I want to continue my relationship past the one-year period?
While we will no longer send prompts, we hope that you stay in touch with your mentee after your assigned time together ends. While we will no longer going to send prompts, we are providing the calendar below so you can keep up with your mentees schedule.
Do we have to meet in person?
Because we have alumni all over the world, it will be difficult for some pairings to meet in person. If there is an opportunity (i.e., Medical School Reunion Weekend, Graduation, alumni visits to Charlottesville), you are more than welcome to meet in person.
What if my mentor/mentee is being unresponsive? What do I do if there is a personality or other conflict?
If you do not feel compatible with your assigned mentor or student, please contact Jill McKinley and she will attempt to coordinate a new match.
How will the matching work?
The pairs will be made based on a number of factors, mainly the reason they are seeking a mentorship relationship.
What if I don’t get matched (as an alumni)?
There is a chance that we will receive more alumni registrations than we have student registrations, as our alumni base is so much larger than the number of current students and because our alumni are the best! If you do not get matched the first round, there are many more opportunities to get involved. We have the Virtual Host Program and virtual MedConnect panels that happen throughout the year. If you are interested in becoming an alumni volunteer, please mark that on your registration form.
Who do I contact if I have questions or issues?
If you have any questions, issues, concerns, suggestions or anything, just reach out to Jill McKinley.
How often should we be speaking?
The communication is completely up to you! We suggest starting the relationship with an introduction meeting but from there, there are no guidelines. Establish whatever is comfortable for you. We will be sending prompts to you every month or so, just to check in and keep conversation flowing.
Can I be a mentor if I am already involved with VAM (Virginia Alumni Mentoring)?
Yes! We work closely with VAM and while we use similar formats, our program is a little more high touch and caters to a targeted audience within the UVA School of Medicine.