Develop a Mentoring Philosophy

We encourage you to develop a mentoring philosophy as you refine your approach to working with students.

What is a Mentoring Philosophy?

Your mentoring philosophy defines your approach to engaging with students as you guide their personal growth and professional development, often explaining your motivation to mentor with personal narratives while highlighting your goals for successful relationships and broader social impact.Ìý These statements may also be considered "living documents" that are updated as you refine your approach and the goals of your work changes.

Philosophy Statements

Consider UROP's Lightbulb Moment Story template and these resources to help craft your mentoring philosophy:

The Kolb Educator Role Profile is an assessment that helps you to sharpen your awareness of your preferences in helping others learn—incorporating your educational philosophy, your teaching style, the goals you set for learners, and the practices you use to promote learning.Ìý

Benefits for Mentors

  • Shares your story
  • Clarifies intentions, beliefs and biases
  • Opens conversations about goals
  • Complements your teaching philosophy
  • Highlights broader impacts for grants

Benefits for Students

  • Explains your approach
  • Outlines expectations
  • Defines communications preferences
  • Provides a reference point for discussion
  • Contributes to inclusion
Create a Mentor AgreementDevelop a Mentoring Philosophy

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Enable Transformative Learning

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) represents an opportunity to enable student-centered education that makes the most of CU Boulder’s global leadership in research and creative production.Ìý

With well-documented benefits from persistence to postgraduate success, engagement in the research and creative life of the university can clarify career paths and prepare students for the future of work. We invite you to explore our programming, consider giving and contact us as you have questions. Donations support empowering opportunities in all fields of study. .