1. Mentoring Undergraduates: Factors to Consider
Carol Bender, Director
The Undergraduate Biology Research Program and The Biomedical Research Abroad: Vistas Open Program
The University of Arizona

2. Undergraduate years are a time of:
Socialization into the world of adults
Development of intellectual abilities and acquisition of knowledge base
Career exploration
Acquisition of professional values and skills

3. Remember….
True mentors cannot be “assigned” but are identified by students themselves
Undergraduates can and often should have more than one mentor at a time
Mentoring requires engaging in “reality testing” with students
Good mentoring requires time, patience and a willingness to listen

4. Summary
Do not assume your undergraduate mentees know some of the most basic tenets of professional behavior and be prepared to guide them (but not in a pejorative way)
Listen to your mentees--they will enrich your life
Be ready to let your mentees move on to the next stage of development--the ultimate reward is for your mentees to become valued colleagues