Mentorship

Peer Mentorship for Freshmen and Transfer Scholars

MoCA Success Coaches

  • MoCA places a strong emphasis on the academic success and social integration of its new freshmen and transfer scholars.
  • MoCA's team of success coaches act as peer mentors and accountability partners for students.
  • MoCA scholars are paired with a dedicated success coach based on factors like year in school, academic standing, field of study, hometown, etc.
  • Trained to take a holistic approach, coaches support their mentees in achieving academic excellence, increasing campus involvement and resource awareness, and developing a stronger sense of purpose during their college journey.
  • Each student is required to meet with their success coach for the entire first academic year to establish productive routines and habits that are essential for overall success.
  • Scholars meet every two weeks to receive personalized guidance, while monthly "pod meetings" foster connection and fellowship among students with similar coaches.

Professional Mentorship for Junior and Senior Scholars

Pay It Forward Mentoring Initiative

  • This initiative aims to provide junior and senior MoCA scholars with a platform to establish meaningful connections with mentors from various backgrounds, including UMKC faculty and staff members and professionals from the wider Kansas City community.
  • Through regular interactions and guidance from their mentors, scholars will have the opportunity to set and pursue ambitious goals, overcome challenges and refine their professional identities.

Become a Mentor

Commitment

Meeting frequency: Meet with your mentee at least once a month for individual sessions, with each session lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Availability: Be responsive to your mentee's communication and available to answer questions or provide support outside of scheduled meetings. This may involve occasional phone calls or emails.

Guidance and Support

Industry knowledge: Share your professional expertise and insights into your field, including current trends, challenges and opportunities.

Career exploration: Assist your mentee in exploring different career paths within their area of interest and identify relevant internship or job opportunities.

Skill development: Offer guidance on developing essential skills for their career aspirations, such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.

Goal Setting and Feedback

Action planning: Work collaboratively with your mentee to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals for their academic and professional development.

Constructive feedback: Offer constructive feedback on your mentee's work, presentations or ideas, delivered in a supportive and encouraging manner. Celebrate their successes and acknowledge their progress.

Communication

Communication style: Establish a preferred communication style (e.g., email, phone calls) with your mentee and respond to their inquiries in a timely manner.

Proactive communication: Feel free to reach out to your mentee to initiate conversations or offer support when you identify a potential opportunity or relevant resource.

Want to become a mentor?

Email MoCA@umsystem.edu