The LGBTQ+ Student Center's IBIS Mentorship Program provides students who identify as LGBTQ+ with on-campus role models who can act as a resource and support system. The program is structured as a cohort-based program that also assists students in making connections with the community both on and off campus.
All LGBTQ+ identified undergraduate and graduate students!
Any University of Miami faculty/staff/administrator. Mentors can be LGBTQ+ identified or an ally of the LGBTQ+ Community.
The duration of the program will occur over one academic year. In order to participate in the IBIS Mentorship Program, both mentors and mentees should be able to attend the majority of scheduled group events, outlined at the beginning of the year, as well as monthly meetings with their mentor/mentee on their own time.
Both mentors and mentees will apply online. Pairings will be matched based on applications and interests. Applicants for the 2024-2025 academic year can reach out to our Assistant Director, Mariana Gonzalez (mig108@miami.edu) for questions.
Mentor applications are due by 11:59pm on Friday, August 30, 2024."Participating in the mentor's program was one of the most unexpected parts of my senior year at UM, and I am so happy with the experience! When I first learned of the program, I didn't anticipate on joining because I was so used to being a mentor, through 'Cane for a Day, my sorority, tutoring, etc., that I couldn't imagine being a mentee. Vanessa and Dr. Vega pushed me to come to the Mentors Kick-Off, and after talking with Scott, I knew I made the right choice! I was excited to be a part of the program and hoped I would be paired with Scott. I could tell he had so much wisdom to offer me- personally and professionally. I wasn't sure that I had anything to offer in return or what I was supposed to do as a mentee, but somehow it all fell into place! At the beginning of Fall semester, I spoke at the What Matters to U event and was so nervous! Having Scott there- and having his support so early on into the mentorship program- meant a lot to me. Throughout the year, Scott and I met frequently, sometimes getting food and catching up, and other times at larger events like the Out of the Darkness Walk and the Pride Parade meetings. I was so proud to attend the LGBTQ Alumni Reception that Scott planned and see how hard he has been working to support the LGBTQ community. Although the program ended abruptly due to COVID, I am so grateful for the experience and will always look to Scott as an amazing mentor!" - Claudia (Mentee 2019-2020)