Wildcat Mentor Society
Wildcat Mentor Society connects University of Arizona students with alumni mentors who are eager to share their experience, insight, and guidance. Designed to support students as they explore careers and prepare for life after graduation, the program creates intentional, one-to-one connections rooted in learning, growth, and belonging.
Students participate as mentees, gaining access to real-world perspectives, professional advice, and expanded networks. Alumni engage as mentors, giving back to the UA community by supporting the next generation of Wildcats through meaningful, structured mentorship.
Together, the Wildcat Mentor Society strengthens the Wildcat network and builds lasting connections that extend well beyond the classroom.
The Wildcat Mentor Society is open to:
- Current University of Arizona students participating as mentees
- University of Arizona alumni participating as mentors
At this time, the mentee experience is limited to currently enrolled UA students.
This program is intentionally designed with students at the center. Students take an active role in the mentorship process and are the guiding force in determining which alumni mentors best align with their goals, interests, and career aspirations.
We are grateful for the alumni who apply to serve as mentors and share their time and expertise with the UA community. While we aim to create meaningful connections each cycle, not all mentors may be matched with a student every time. This is not a reflection of mentor quality or experience, but rather alignment with current student interests and availability during a given cycle. Our priority is to ensure each match is intentional, supportive, and beneficial for students.
FOR STUDENTS
Time Commitment
The Wildcat Mentor Society runs on a semester-based schedule.
- Fall runs from October through December.
- Spring runs from February through April.
Students are required to attend a kickoff event in October and an end of year celebration in April.
There is no set requirement for how often you meet with your mentor. Meetings should be guided by your needs and availability. Consistency is strongly encouraged. If you decide to meet every two weeks, you should plan to keep that schedule throughout the program.
What to Expect
This program is intentionally designed to support you and meet you where you are. As a mentee, you are expected to guide the mentorship relationship.
You should come prepared to share what is going on academically and professionally, bring questions and goals, talk through concerns, and provide updates. Your mentor is there to listen, offer perspective, and support your growth, but your engagement is essential to making the experience meaningful.
Is This Right for Me?
This program may be a good fit if you are a current University of Arizona student who is open to guidance, willing to ask questions, and ready to take ownership of your professional and personal development.
You do not need to have everything figured out. You do need to be willing to show up, communicate, and actively participate in the relationship.
FOR ALUMNI MENTORS
Time Commitment
The Wildcat Mentor Society follows a semester-based structure.
- Fall runs from October through December.
- Spring runs from February through April.
There is no required number of meetings. Mentors and students are encouraged to agree on a meeting cadence that works for both parties and to maintain consistency throughout the program.
What to Expect
As a mentor, your role is to support students by meeting them where they are in their academic and professional journeys. Students enter the program at different stages and with different goals.
To support conversations, the program lead will provide optional monthly topic prompts that can be referenced if conversations slow or if a student is unsure where to start. These prompts are meant to be a resource, not a script.
The student guides the conversation. Your role is to listen, share insight when helpful, and provide encouragement and perspective.
Is This Right for Me?
This program may be a good fit if you are a University of Arizona alum who is interested in giving back, open to supporting students at different stages, and comfortable letting the student take the lead.
You do not need to have all the answers. You do need to be willing to listen, be present, and support students as they navigate their own paths.