ECE Faculty-Undergraduate Mentoring Program

Student Responsibilities in the Mentoring Process

The privileges and benefits associated with the mentoring program are many. However, participation also entails a number of obligations. You are responsible for preparing for each mentoring session and providing certain information to your mentor. A number of the items listed below fall into this category. By complying with these requirements you make it possible for your mentor to better guide and facilitate your development thus allowing you to get more out of the program. Other responsibilities listed below are more procedural in nature; nevertheless, your compliance is required to ensure the program functions smoothly.

• First and foremost, you are expected to keep your faculty mentor fully informed about your academic progress and professional development.
• You are required to meet with your faculty mentor every semester PRIOR to having your schedule reviewed and approved by an advisor in the Undergraduate Office. Failure to do so will delay your registration.
• Your mentor will contact you by email to inform of how they intend to handle their mentoring appointments. Prior to your appointment you are responsible for emailing your mentor and providing them with information about your situation. You should summarize what was covered in your previous visit(s) and indicate what you would like to discuss in your forthcoming meeting. If you are a first semester freshman or transfer student or just new to the major you should introduce yourself and provide some background information. You should also attach an electronic copy of your unofficial transcript to the email.
• Because faculty members are extremely busy, you should meet with them as early as possible during the semester. (Not being able to meet with your advisor because you waited until a couple of days before your registration date will not be accepted as an excuse and consequently you may not be able to register on time.)
• Printout and bring a copy of your unofficial transcript to your meeting along with a copy of the appropriate checklist (EE Mentoring Checklist or CP Mentoring Checklist).
• Be prepared for each meeting with your mentor. For example, if you wish to discuss specific course content should first read the relevant descriptions in the “Approved Courses” section of the Undergraduate Catalog as well as viewing the more detailed departmental approved ENEE course syllabi and/or CMSC course syllabi. Likewise, if you would like to discuss the various sub-disciplines within ECE then you should first read the posted material on the Department's areas of specialization.
• Remember, your mentor is not a mind reader. You must express your personal needs and concerns to your mentor so they will be better able to advise and/or direct you to appropriate UMCP resources.
• After meeting with your mentor you must present a completed and signed copy of your mentoring checklist (EE Mentoring Checklist or CP Mentoring Checklist) to the Undergraduate Office (2429 A.V. Williams) before your registration block will be removed and class permissions entered.
• Your mentor is there to provide guidance and structure. They will facilitate your academic growth and progress but you are responsible for making decisions about your class schedule, whether or not to pursue specific educational options, which area to specialize in, which CORE electives to take, etc.

↑ Back to Top