Mentor Program
The Information Studies Mentor Program pairs every new student admitted to the department with a current Information Studies student.
Why a Student Mentor Program?
Moving to a new community isn’t easy, especially if you’re from out of the area. Your first semester in Graduate school may be especially difficult, as traditionally there is less student support than in undergraduate programs. Although students have connections with admissions advisors and program staff, it’s extremely helpful to have connections at the student level.
What does a Student Mentor do?
Student mentors are matched with students who intend to pursue a similar track. For example, students who plan a concentration in Archives are matched with a student currently enrolled in the Archives track. Student Mentors communicate via e-mail with their assigned students, answering questions a new student might have. Appropriate questions may include things like: Do you have housing recommendations? Do I need a car to get around Albany? Where’s a good place to get a cheap beer? Who sells the best pizza? Is this class difficult? Which professor would you recommend? Do you have hours and hours of homework? ** You are NOT expected to take the place of an academic advisor.**
What’s the time commitment?
It depends, but you’re only obligated to communicate with your mentees via e-mail. You may be assigned 1-5 mentees. We’ll begin assigning mentees in the beginning of May, and at that point you’ll be asked to e-mail each of your mentees and introduce yourself. Some of your mentees may not have any questions, while others may have MANY. You can expect to interact with your mentee over the summer and through the start of the fall semester. You’re more than welcome to meet your mentees for lunch or grab a drink, but there’s no obligation to do anything other than correspond via e-mail.
Who can participate?
For the most part, anyone! We’re looking for students in all tracks, and also those who haven’t yet picked a track. We’d love some students who live in Albany, but we’d also love those of you who commute from a distance (new commuting students often have LOTS of questions, too!) We’d love mentors who have just finished an undergrad program and are attending grad school full time, as well as mentors with families and a career, attending the program part time.
How do I sign-up?
Please fill out the information on the form. If you can’t open the form, you can pick up a copy in the Information Studies office, located in Draper 113 or the Student Lounge.
Please return your completed form to the information studies office or e–mail it back to by APRIL 30th.
If you have questions, please e-mail .