The IU Online Mentorship Program connects students through Mentor Collective, a platform that helps create meaningful peer-to-peer mentoring relationships based on shared interests, experiences, and goals. Participants can receive guidance, encouragement, and support from fellow IU Online students.
Current IU Online students are eligible to participate as a mentee, mentor, or both, depending on their academic progress and program requirements.
No. Participation in the IU Online Mentorship Program is free.
During sign-up, participants share information about their academic interests, experiences, goals, and preferences. Mentor Collective uses this information to help identify meaningful mentor-mentee matches.
Mentors and mentees can connect using communication methods that work best for them, including text messaging, phone calls, video meetings, or email. Interactions are logged in the Mentor Collective Participant Dashboard.
The program is designed to be flexible. Mentors and mentees determine a communication cadence that works for their schedules while maintaining regular engagement throughout the relationship. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to communicate at least once a month.
Questions for Mentees
A mentor can help you navigate the online learning experience, share strategies for success, provide encouragement, and connect you with resources that support your goals. Many students find mentorship valuable when balancing coursework with work, family, military service, or other commitments.
Common topics include:
- Time management and organization
- Study strategies
- Navigating online courses
- Balancing school, work, and life responsibilities
- Using university resources
- Building confidence as a student
If your mentoring relationship is not the right fit, or circumstances change, Mentor Collective provides a process for requesting a new mentor (or mentee). Re-matching can often be initiated directly through the platform. Watch the re-matching tutorial or contact Mentor Collective support so your mentorship experience continues without interruption.
Questions for Mentors
Mentoring allows you to support fellow students while developing leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. It's an opportunity to give back to the IU Online community and have a positive impact on another student's experience.
Yes. Mentor Collective provides training and resources to help mentors feel prepared, confident, and successful in their role. Training covers mentor expectations, communication best practices, relationship-building strategies, available support resources, and how to navigate the Mentor Collective platform.
Mentors who successfully complete training also earn a digital mentorship badge that can be displayed on LinkedIn and other professional profiles.
For additional guidance, view the Mentor Training Overview video.
In addition to developing valuable leadership and communication skills, mentors who successfully complete mentor training may earn a digital mentorship badge that can be displayed on LinkedIn and other professional profiles.
Yes. During the sign-up process, mentors can indicate how many students they are comfortable supporting and the level of engagement they are able to provide. Some mentors prefer occasional check-ins and guidance, while others are available for more frequent communication and support.
If your availability changes over time, you can adjust your mentoring preferences by contacting Mentor Collective Support. The team can help modify your participation level to ensure the experience remains manageable and rewarding for both you and your mentees.
Additional Resources
Whether you're a mentor or mentee, Mentor Collective offers a variety of resources designed to help you build a successful mentoring relationship and get the most from the program.
For Mentees
Learn how to connect effectively with your mentor, set goals, navigate challenges, and make the most of your mentorship experience.
For Mentors
Access mentoring guides, best practices, conversation starters, and additional support materials designed to help you confidently support your mentee.
Mentor Responsibilities Overview