We are creating a digital interface that will enable graduate/professional students/postdocs and Yale undergraduate students with mutual research interests to form lasting and meaningful mentorship connections. We envision that with a central, protected database of mentors offering their expertise, experience, and wisdom accessible to interested undergraduates, the world of academia will become much more accessible to curious students, and mentors will have the satisfaction of having had a positive impact on an undergraduate’s academic career.

While undergraduates will be responsible for initiating contact with listed mentors, mentors will be responsible for maintaining updated, informative listings. The specifics of each mentorship relationship are largely at the discretion of the two parties and while there is an expected time commitment, mentors/mentees are free to structure their interactions in whichever way is most convenient for them.

YURA offers expertise in outreach to undergraduates, as well as experience creating and maintaining a large research database of Yale advisors. The GSA is an elected body of Yale students that represents the Graduate school of Arts and Sciences. Together, YURA and the GSA aim to promote valuable mentorship connections between graduate/professional students/postdocs and undergraduates in all fields of study available at Yale.

LENGTH OF MENTORSHIP RELATIONSHIP:

One semester commitment, if mentorship connection works for both parties, then can sign up again the next semester. If mentorship connection does not work, the mentor and mentee can resign up for a new connection.

TITLE IX POLICY AND GUIDELINES

Both parties must adhere to all of Yale’s Title IX Policy and Guidelines in all of their mentorship interactions.
https://provost.yale.edu/title-ix

MENTORSHIP INTERACTIONS

• Mentorship interactions should be limited and focused on the following subjects:
• Academics
• Research
• Graduate/Professional school applications
• Issues of diversity and inclusion
• Professional networking
• Improvement of writing and academic skills

GUIDELINES

MENTORS

Mentees will be reaching out to mentors through the email provided in their listing. Mentors should respond to interested mentees within 72 hours. Mentors are expected to keep their mentor listing up to date, including availability, graduation semester, field of study, and general research interests. Unavailable mentors may receive inquiries from mentees interested in a mentorship relationship in future relationships. It is up to the discretion of the mentor to commit to taking on a mentee – both in present and future semesters.

By signing up to be a mentor, one commits to meeting with their mentee(s) a minimum of 3-4 times per semester. Mentors/mentees are to decide upon the scheduling and formatting of their meetings according to what works best for the two parties.

 

MENTEES

It is the responsibility of an interested mentee to reach out to potential mentors. A mentee should be considerate of the current state of a mentor’s availability (indicated within their listing), but may still reach out to unavailable mentors to inquire about becoming their mentee in a future semester.

When contacting a potential mentor, mentees should send a short note detailing some of their academic interests and career plans. Such a note may include, but is not limited to:

• • • Academic major
    • Research interests
    • Post-undergraduate plans
    • Previous research experience (including field of study)

Upon receipt of response from a mentor, mentees should confirm within 72 hours.

Mentees should arrange meetings with their mentors a minimum 3-4 times over the course of the semester, and should work with their mentor to figure out a schedule/structure for their meetings that works best for both parties.