Guidelines for Mentors

Mentor’s Role

Mentors are asked to provide guidance on professional development opportunities within higher ed risk management that aligns with the mentee’s career goals. Mentors are furthering professional development and shaping the future of risk management. A mentor can help a mentee by providing knowledgeable and strategic advice. A mentor offers a perspective that comes only from experience, to encourage the mentee to build on core capabilities or pursue an innovative opportunity.

Mentors will:

  • Have at least seven years of experience in higher education risk management.
  • Create a mutually agreed upon schedule of meetings.
  • Provide honest answers to your mentee’s questions and end sessions on a positive note.
  • Be fully prepared for each meeting.
  • Share resources that mentees can use to further their understanding of risk management.

As a mentor, you agree to:

  • Determine alignment with the prospective mentee's desired goals and your skill sets.
  • Communicate with your mentee to confirm the match is a good fit or suggest that a new match is needed.
  • Work together to develop communication protocols and a meeting schedule.
  • Utilize your network of contacts and resources and identify opportunities for mentee growth.
  • Share personal challenges and successes and keep sensitive conversations confidential.

Mentor FAQs


What are the criteria for participating as a mentor?
Mentors should have at least 7 years of experience in higher education risk management; be available and flexible for meetings; and possess expertise and knowledge of higher education risk management.

Can I have more than one mentee?
Yes. You should indicate on the mentor application how many mentees you are willing to take on and interact with on a regular basis over the next 12 months. Occasional group sessions might also be a possibility if all are on board with the idea.

How do I end a mentoring relationship?
Not all pairings are a perfect match. We ask that you give the relationship 6 months, but if you decide it just isn’t a good fit and wish to be paired with another mentee, contact URMIA and we will work on getting you re-assigned.

How much time will I need to invest as a mentor?
A good estimate would be an hour a month even if you and your mentee decide to only meet bi-monthly. You will likely need some prep time between meetings to follow up on previous items discussed.

This is my first time mentoring. Does URMIA have any suggested resources to help me make sure I’m doing this right?
Yes! Here is a list of tools to check out and some potential ice-breaker questions to start the relationship.

How do I get started?
Complete the mentor application and URMIA will be in contact with a mentee assignment or further communication about the process within a few weeks of application submission.