A faculty mentor is required for students engaging in undergraduate research and creative scholarship, and taking on the role of faculty mentor ensures that UM supports a thriving community of undergraduate research and provides a service to your department or college. The mentoring relationship can also be enriching and enjoyable for everyone. Students report that the personal relationship with their mentor is one of the most important elements of their research experience (Falconer and Holcomb, 2008). For mentors, there is often a sense of vicarious pride watching students grow into their skills and enjoyment in exploring new questions with students taking on more of a “collaborator” role than in formal teaching.

Benefits to Mentors

• Improved supervision, management, and mentorship skills
• Enjoyment in helping a student evolve and mature intellectually
• Gain new perspectives and understanding
• View your research with fresh eyes
• Connection with next generation in your field

Benefits to Students

• Experience being part of a community of practice with others in the field
• Insight into their potential career paths
• Confidence and independence in research and creative scholarship
• Ability to see themselves as a researcher/scholar
• Increased competitiveness if continuing education or applying for roles that include research