Department of Health Policy Professional Mentoring Program

Student Guidelines

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 you in making choices about research projects, pro bono opportunities, career paths, future schooling, etc. during and after your time at GW;
To establish a network of mentors who 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.

Respond to contacts from your mentor in a timely manner. Your mentor is responsible for making the initial contact with you;
Respect the parameters established at the beginning of your relationship with your mentor;
Invest time in learning about your mentor and his or her organization;
Make specific requests of your mentor. It is up to you to let your mentor know what you do or do not want out of your relationship. While your mentor will try to provide you with helpful information or advice, he or she cannot know what you need unless you tell him or her;
Respect and honor all commitments made to the mentor with respect to their time (or time of others they contact on your behalf), your relationship, and the confidentiality of any communication;
Participate in a Department-sponsored event with your mentor once a year;
Provide formal and informal feedback to the Department about the mentoring program;
Provide the Department with up-do-date contact information.