Professional Mentoring in Student Affairs: Evaluation of a Global Programme

Abstract

In January 2016, the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) offered a global professional mentoring programme that would link student affairs leaders internationally with new graduates and early career professionals in student services. Protégé participants were primarily new graduates of preparatory programmes in student affairs, or practitioners with less than two years’ experience in roles ranging from international services and admissions, academic success, student advising and career services, to new student services Directors. This paper presents the outcomes of the evaluation of the 2016 pilot programme, and recommendations for development of this mentoring initiative. It argues that the programme successfully contributes to advancement of the student support and enrichment components of higher education worldwide, and provides an excellent mentoring experience for the professionals who are shaping the future of student affairs globally.