Presidential Mentorship | Florida Atlantic University

Share your time, talent, and experience to help Florida Atlantic students persist, perform, and prepare for their careers through the  Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship Program.

mentorship

A Message from the President and First Lady

We are thrilled to invite you to take part in something transformational — the Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship Program. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to invest in the lives of our students and the future of our state and nation through the powerful tool of mentorship.

At Florida Atlantic, one-third of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and 40% come from low-income households. These talented young people have remarkable potential — and they need champions who can guide them on their journey. Your mentorship can be the difference that helps them soar.

— President Adam Hasner and First Lady Jillian Hasner

Why Join?

The Presidential Mentorship Program connects students, alumni, faculty, and community members to build meaningful relationships that support academic success, career exploration, and personal growth.

Community Connection

Build meaningful relationships within the Florida Atlantic community.

Career and Leadership Growth

Develop leadership skills, explore career paths, and gain real-world insights.

Support and Belonging

Strengthen confidence and create a network of support across the university.

Professional Networking

Connect students with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and perspective.

FAQs

The Presidential Mentorship and Career Internship Program connects students with alumni, professionals, and community leaders who volunteer their time to mentor students. The program helps students develop career skills, set goals, and navigate the transition from college to the workforce.

The program was created to support students in achieving academic and career success through mentorship. Many Florida Atlantic students are the first in their families to attend college and benefit from guidance from experienced professionals.

Mentors may include:

  • FAU alumni
  • Industry professionals
  • Community leaders
  • Individuals interested in supporting student success

Mentors are matched with undergraduate or graduate students based on interests, background, and availability.

You will receive your formal mentoring match in August! If you would like to be matched earlier, and are available in the summer, please let us know your preference at presidentialmentor@fau.edu

Mentors are asked to commit approximately one hour per week (one hour biweekly or 30 minutes weekly) to connect with their student, set goals, track progress, and provide guidance.

Mentors receive:

  • A short orientation or training session (options available in-person and virtually)
  • Access to a mentoring toolkit and resources
  • Support from a program coordinator throughout the mentoring relationship.

Mentors typically support students with:

  • Career exploration and professional development
  • Networking and industry insight
  • Academic goal setting
  • Confidence building and personal development
  • Navigating college and preparing for the workforce

Research and program outcomes show that mentoring can help students:

  • Stay enrolled and persist toward graduation
  • Increase engagement with campus resources
  • Build confidence and professional skills

At Florida Atlantic:

  • About one-third of students are first-generation college students
  • Around 40% come from low-income households

Mentorship helps provide guidance and support that many students may not otherwise have access to.

Interested mentors can click learn more and complete the matching survey for the program that best fits them! The program team will follow up with the next steps and match mentors with students based on shared interests and experience.

Matches are made based on:

  • Professional background
  • Career interests
  • Availability
  • Personal interests or experiences

The goal is to create meaningful mentoring relationships that support student success.

No. Previous mentoring experience is helpful but not required. Orientation and resources are provided to support mentors throughout the program.

About Presidential Mentoring

Presidential Mentoring includes two distinct programs designed to support students at different stages of their academic and professional journey.

Peer Mentorship Program
Student-to-student mentorship connecting incoming students with current students.

Career Mentorship Program
Professional mentorship connecting students with alumni, faculty, staff, and community members.

Get Involved

Become a Mentor

Support students through peer or career mentorship.

Peer Mentor (Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate Students)
Current students mentoring incoming students

Learn more

Community and Career Mentor (OLLI Member, Alumni, Staff, Faculty)
Alumni, staff, faculty, OLLI members, and community mentors supporting students’ professional development

Learn more

Become a Mentee

Connect with a mentor for guidance and growth.

Peer Mentee (Incoming Freshman, Incoming Transfer, International Students)
Incoming students seeking a peer mentor

Learn more

Community and Career Mentee (Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
Current students seeking mentorship focused on career and professional goals

Learn more

 

How the Program Works

For Mentees

Mentees are active participants, not passive recipients.

As a mentee, you play an important role in shaping the mentorship experience. The most successful mentorship relationships are driven by curiosity, preparation, and follow-through.

Your Responsibilities

  • Drive the relationship and schedule conversations
  • Prepare for meetings and discussions
  • Follow through on goals and action items
  • Apply insights and advice from your mentor

Goals of the Program

Through the mentorship experience, students gain:

  • Greater clarity around academic and career goals
  • Increased confidence in their professional path
  • A supportive network within the Florida Atlantic community
  • Guidance from experienced mentors

Participation Expectations

  • Meet at least twice per month  (one hour biweekly or 30 minutes weekly)
  • Respond to messages within three days
  • Come prepared with questions or updates
  • Take action between meetings
  • Communicate respectfully and professionally

For Mentors

Mentors play a vital role in supporting students as they explore their academic, professional, and personal development.

Mentor Responsibilities

  • Share professional experiences and insights
  • Help students set goals and track progress
  • Provide encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback
  • Maintain consistent communication with your mentee

Time Commitment

Mentors are asked to dedicate approximately  one hour per week  to connect with their mentee and support their development.

Program Support

Once accepted into the program, mentors will receive:

  • A short orientation and onboarding session
  • Access to mentoring resources and toolkits
  • Ongoing support from a program coordinator

Thank you for contributing your time and expertise to support the success of Florida Atlantic students.

Florida Atlantic Mentoring Project

Laboratory researcher wearing a white lab coat and protective gloves holding a glass flask containing a clear liquid in a laboratory.

Specialty Mentoring Programs

Some colleges and departments offer specialized mentorship programs connected to specific academic disciplines or professional pathways.

View Specialty Programs

Contact Us

For questions about mentorship opportunities or specialty programs.

Jordan DiPentima

Jordan DiPentima, M.Ed.

Director of New Student Transitions and Family Engagement

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Boca Raton Campus

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Kevin Moreau

Kevin Moreau, M.Ed.

Assistant Director, Mentoring Programs

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Boca Raton Campus

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Catalina Sampayo

Catalina Sampayo

Coordinator, Mentoring Programs

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Boca Raton Campus

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Office of the President

The Office of the President leads Florida Atlantic University's mission with a focus on student success, academic excellence, and community impact.

Office of the President

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Administration Bldg., Room 339
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
call (561) 297-3450
mail president@fau.edu

Connect with the President