Department of Health Policy Mentoring Program

Professional Mentor Guidelines

Submit a Mentor Information Sheet if you wish to become a mentor.

To provide an opportunity for students to learn from "professional advisors" who are currently working in the health policy field;
To create a relationship with a mentor who can assist students in making choices about research projects, pro bono opportunities, career paths, future schooling, etc. during and after their time at GW;
To establish a network of mentors who also may be available for formal roles as special projects preceptors and thesis or dissertation advisors;
To strengthen the ties between students, mentors and the Health Policy program

Mentors should initiate contact with their assigned student within two weeks of receiving contact information and to maintain contact throughout the academic year (and ideally, throughout the studentâ€™s degree program if the relationship is working for both individuals);
Mentors should be accessible to their students for up to 4 hours per academic year and within agreed upon parameters. The frequency and form of communication is up to the mentor and student. We would prefer a minimum of one in person contact per semester;
Mentors should assist students in their pursuit of academic and career interests; this assistance may grow into more formal roles as a special projects preceptor and/or a thesis or dissertation advisor;
Whenever possible, mentors should identify special learning opportunities (formal or informal) within their own agencies, organizations, or through informal professional networks so that students can develop a sense of policy work and professional contexts and develop the beginning of contacts;
Mentors should attend at least one departmental event each year: a Life in Health Policy evening, an informal get-together (e.g., end of semester party), or other event at which they can meet and network with students.