Launched in 2025, the Linehan Alumni Mentor Program connects current Linehan scholars with Linehan alumni who are interested in sharing their professional knowledge, creative experiences, and expertise with the next generation of artist scholars. The mentor program aims to cultivate an intergenerational Linehan community where alumni and current scholars can learn from one another, build meaningful relationships, and continue to grow in their artistic and professional pursuits. Through these connections, current scholars gain valuable insight into the creative industries and professional pathways they hope to pursue, while alumni have the opportunity to give back to the program and support emerging artists. The purpose of the mentor program is to foster lasting community connections, encourage professional development, and create opportunities for knowledge-sharing across generations of Linehan scholars.
Mentor Selection and Matching
The Linehan Program Director and Assistant Director of Engagement oversee the mentor-mentee matching process. Pairings are developed based on the program’s knowledge of each scholar, information gathered through a brief questionnaire, and the professional background and areas of expertise of prospective mentors. Alumni mentors are selected based on their degree area(s), professional experiences, and specialized knowledge that may benefit current scholars. This expertise can extend beyond artistic discipline to include areas such as grant writing, communication, nonprofit administration, entrepreneurship, and graduate school career.
Program Commitment and Obligations
The Linehan Alumni Mentor Program takes place over the course of the Fall semester. Mentors are asked to participate in the following activities:
- Introductory Meeting (1 hour): A virtual meeting for the mentor and mentee to introduce themselves, discuss the mentee’s learning objectives, and collaboratively establish a plan of action for the semester.
- Progress Meetings (two 45-minute meetings): Virtual check-ins scheduled by the mentor and mentee during their introductory meeting. These conversations provide opportunities to discuss progress, ask questions, and explore topics related to the mentee’s goals.
- Program Reflection Meeting (30 minutes): A virtual meeting with the Assistant Director of Engagement at the conclusion of the mentorship to reflect on and discuss the mentor’s experience.
- Written Testimonial: A brief written reflection from the mentor at the conclusion of the program. With permission, testimonials may be used to share program experiences and promote future iterations of the Alumni Mentor Program.
Application Process and Timeline
The Linehan Alumni Mentor Program is a virtual mentorship that takes place during the Fall semester of each academic year. The preparation and mentor recruitment process begins in the spring, allowing time for applications, mentor-mentee pairing, and participation confirmations before the start of the next academic year (fall).
Mentorship Preparation Period
February | Virtual Information Session: The Assistant Director of Engagement hosts a virtual information session for prospective mentors to introduce the program, explain expectations, and answer questions about participation.
March | Mentor Applications Open: Applications open for alumni interested in serving as mentors.
April | Mentor-Mentee Matching: The Program Director and Assistant Director of Engagement begin reviewing applications and coordinating mentor-mentee pairings.
May | Participation Confirmation: The Assistant Director of Engagement contacts selected mentors to confirm their participation in the upcoming Fall semester.
Virtual Mentorship Period
September | Introductory Meeting and Goal Setting: The Assistant Director of Engagement schedules a one-hour virtual introductory meeting with the mentor and mentee. During this meeting, the mentee shares 3–5 learning objectives they hope to accomplish through the mentorship. Together, the mentor and mentee develop a plan of action, identify activities and goals to complete outside of their virtual meetings, and schedule two progress check-ins for the semester.
October–November | Progress Meetings: Mentors and mentees complete two 45-minute virtual progress meetings to discuss their experiences, reflect on learning objectives, and continue working toward their established goals.
December | Program Reflection and Testimonial: The mentor meets virtually with the Assistant Director of Engagement for a 30-minute reflection meeting to discuss their experience and provide feedback about the program. Following this conversation, the mentor submits a brief written testimonial that may be used, with permission, to promote future iterations of the Linehan Alumni Mentor Program.
Interested in being a mentor?
We invite interested Linehan alumni who have 5+ years of career experience to volunteer as mentors. Please check back in March 2027 for our updated application link. If you would like to volunteer but have not been in touch with the program, we encourage you to sign up for an alumni interview so we can reconnect. A 30-minute virtual alumni interview can be scheduled with our Assistant Director of Engagement, Ally Kocerhan, here or via email at alko1@umbc.edu.