ECE Faculty-Undergraduate Mentoring Program

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring has occurred throughout human history. Indeed, the etymology of 'mentoring' goes back to one of the first recorded mentoring relationships. In Homer's Odyssey, we are introduced to Odysseus' wise and trusted counselor Mentor. Before embarking for Troy, Odysseus entrusted Mentor with the care of his household, including the education of his son Telemachus. Under the tutelage of Mentor, Telemachus grew into a keen and noble young man. Mentor also counseled Odysseus' wife Penelope in the matter of her suitors who waited to replace Ithica's king who was presumed lost. Also, in the course of his travels, Odysseus's fortunes where overseen by Athena who often appeared in the guise of Mentor to both he and Telemachus. Thus, going back through Latin to the Greek, 'mentor' has come to mean a wise counselor, tutor, or guide.

A mentoring relationship involves the pairing of two individuals, one of whom has more knowledge, skill, or experience than the other. The purpose of this relationships is for the less experienced of the two to acquire various competencies and thus to grow and develop personally and professionally. Such relationships exists in every field of human endeavor. In academia, mentoring relationships often occur between peers such as between faculty or between students. Faculty also provide mentoring opportunities to their graduate and undergraduate students, guiding and facilitating their educational growth. In the realm of engineering, mentors help students achieve technical expertise through academic success, encourage and facilitate their social integration into the discipline, and advise them of career options and employment opportunities.

Good mentoring relationships are characterized by mutual respect and understanding and concern on the part of mentors for their charges. Mentors assume multiple roles in these relationships. They are good listeners - spending time learning about the concerns and interests of their mentees. They provide encouragement and support. Mentors also share their life experiences and specialized knowledge. The latter may take the form of coaching protégés and providing feedback on their performance.

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