Develop a Mentoring Philosophy on One Page

Ìý

Definition

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.ÌýThese statements may also be considered "living documents" that are updated as you refine your approach and the goals of your work changes.

Benefits

ÌýBenefits 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

Templates

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

Kolb Educator 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

Back

Mentoring Guide

Call for Participants

Developed and hosted in Boulder since 2018, UROP's Sidewalk Symposium invites undergraduates to share their research and creative presentations with chalk on campus walkways. UROP welcomes undergraduates at any stage of their project to participate.

Register for UROP's Sidewalk Symposium by Oct. 5, 2026

Celebrating 40 Years

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ has an expansive history engaging undergraduates in the research and creative life of the campus dating to the creation of UROP in 1986.

Celebrating 40 Years of Opportunities