Program

The College of Natural Sciences Mentoring Program connects current CNS students with alumni mentors who can help them explore their interests, prepare for their careers, and navigate the transition from college into professional life. CNS majors include:

Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Earth Science, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology.

Mentorship provides students with a trusted resource outside the classroom while giving alumni a meaningful way to share their experiences, perspectives, and professional knowledge with the next generation of Lutes.

Program Goals

The CNS Mentoring Program is designed to:

  • Foster Meaningful Connections: Establish authentic relationships between alumni mentors and students, creating a supportive environment for guidance and advice.

  • Provide Career Guidance: Alumni mentors offer valuable career advice and insights to help students make informed decisions about their academic and professional paths.

  • Develop Professional Skills: Enhance students’ professional skills through guidance on networking, resume building, interview preparation, and professional etiquette.

  • Expand Professional Networks: Facilitate networking opportunities with alumni mentors and industry professionals to broaden students’ professional connections and opportunities.

How the Program Works

Each participating student will be matched with one alumni mentor based on factors such as the student’s interests, goals, preferred career field, and responses to the program registration questions.

The active mentoring period runs from October 2026 through April 2027. Students and mentors are expected to connect at least once each month, either virtually or in person.

Each mentoring pair will participate in one of three tracks based on the student’s current needs:

  • Explore Track: For students who are still exploring their interests, majors, career possibilities, or next steps.

  • Prepare Track: For students who have a general direction in mind and want to develop their skills, experiences, and professional readiness.

  • Launch Track: For students preparing to graduate and transition into employment, graduate school, or another post-PLU opportunity.

Each month, students and mentors will receive an email tailored to their track. These emails will introduce one of the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Career Readiness Competencies and provide questions that pairs can use to guide their conversation.

The monthly emails are intended to support the mentoring relationship. Pairs may also use their meeting time to discuss other questions, goals, or experiences that are important to the student.

Key Dates

  • Alumni Mentor Registration: August 13-September 20, 2026

  • Student Registration: September 14-September 30, 2026

  • Student Launch Sessions: October 5, October 7 & October 8, 2026

  • Match Day: October 15, 2026

  • Active Mentoring Period: October 2026–April 2027

  • Program Wrap-Up and Surveys: May 2027

Exact registration deadlines, Student Launch Session dates, and Match Day information will be shared with participants by email.

Before Matching

All students must attend one of three Student Launch Sessions before being matched. During these sessions, students will:

  • Learn what to expect from the mentoring relationship.

  • Review their responsibilities as a mentee.

  • Consider what they would like to gain from the experience.

  • Practice initiating communication and preparing for mentoring conversations.

  • Learn how the Explore, Prepare, and Launch tracks will support their experience.

Alumni mentors are not required to attend an orientation. Mentors will receive information about program expectations, important dates, and available support before Match Day.

Matching

Participants will be matched based on a combination of factors, including:

  • Academic and career interests.

  • Professional fields or industries of interest.

  • Goals for the mentoring experience.

  • Relevant experiences and areas of expertise.

  • Information provided in the program registration questions.

Participants should provide thoughtful, complete responses when registering. Incomplete profiles may not be considered for matching.

Although every effort will be made to create a meaningful match, registration does not guarantee placement. Students and mentors will receive an email notification when matches are announced.

JOIN THE PROGRAM

FOR MENTEES (STUDENTS):

Who's eligible to join as a Mentee?
  • Current PLU students who have declared a major within the College of Natural Sciences are eligible to participate as mentees.

Why participate? A mentor can help you:

  • Explore career paths connected—or not directly connected—to your major.

  • Learn from someone’s professional and personal experiences.

  • Develop confidence navigating career decisions.

  • Prepare for internships, employment, graduate school, and other opportunities.

  • Strengthen your networking and communication skills.

  • Build a lasting relationship with a member of the PLU alumni community.

What is expected of students? Students are expected to:

  • Attend one required Student Launch Session before Match Day.

  • Connect with their mentor at least once each month.

  • Take initiative in communicating and scheduling meetings.

  • Arrive prepared with questions or topics they would like to discuss.

  • Respond to their mentor in a timely and professional manner.

  • Be open to new perspectives and constructive feedback.

  • Follow through on commitments made to their mentor.

  • Notify the program coordinator if communication or participation concerns arise.

Apply Today! Click the green "Join Program" button and complete the registration questions. 
Once your registration is approved, you will receive a welcome email and gain access to program resources.

FOR MENTORS (ALUMNI)

Who's eligible to join as a Mentor?
  • Alumni who graduated with a major within the College of Liberal Studies and are willing to share their professional experiences and support a current student are eligible to participate as mentors.

Why participate? As a mentor, you can:

  • Help a student better understand their career possibilities.

  • Share knowledge gained through your own experiences.

  • Offer perspective during an important stage of a student’s development.

  • Help a student build confidence and professional readiness.

  • Strengthen your own mentoring, communication, and coaching skills.

  • Build a meaningful relationship with a current Lute.

What is expected of mentors? Mentors are expected to:

  • Connect with their mentee at least once each month.

  • Respond to their mentee in a timely and professional manner.

  • Share relevant experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned.

  • Ask thoughtful questions and help their mentee consider possible next steps.

  • Offer honest, constructive, and encouraging feedback.

  • Help their mentee learn about careers, workplaces, professional networks, and opportunities when relevant.

  • Communicate with the program coordinator if participation or communication concerns arise.

Apply Today! Click the green "Join Program" button and complete the registration questions. 
Once your registration is approved, you will receive a welcome email and gain access to program resources.


QUESTIONS? Please email Joel Thomas at thomasjh@plu.edu.