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E-Mentoring Models

E-Mentoring uses two models: group e-mail listservs and one-to-one mentor matches.

Group E-mail Listserv
One-to-One Mentor Match
All E-Mentoring Program participants communicate as a group through the listserv. Participants post information and respond to questions from the entire group. The program instructor monitors all listserv communication. The listserv focuses on academic and career goals, as well as building relationships and social skills. Weekly e-mails include ideas about the mentees' progress in the program Individually matched mentor/student pairs communicate using e-mail. This relationship focuses on academic and career goals as well as building relationships and social skills. The program instructor monitors all e-mail communication. E-mails and occasional social gatherings can address ideas, questions, and concerns about the transition process. Communication is primarily only between the mentor and mentee.

Considerations When Choosing a Model of E-Mentoring

  • Program site technology capabilities and administrative guidelines
  • Age and location of participants
  • Goal(s) to be accomplished in the program
  • Potential referral sources for mentors as well as mentees
  • Access to available assistive technology
  • Time required for monitoring mentor/mentee interactions
Group Listserv E-Mentoring Model
Pros:
Cons:
  • All participants of the listserv can benefit from the discussion.
  • Unmatched mentors/mentees can benefit.
  • Peer-to-peer mentoring occurs between students.
  • Program does not have to have equal number of mentors and mentees.
  • Exposure to a diverse range of culture, professions, ideas, and disabilities.
  
  • Some participants may not engage in conversation.
  • Some participants may not be interested in a specific listserv topic.
  • Mentor/mentee relationships may take longer to form.
  • Frequency of listserv e-mails can be overwhelming.
  • Listserv e-mails may not apply to all participants.
One-to-One E-Mentoring Model
Pros:
Cons:
  • Short and long term personal relationships emerge through matched mentor/mentee pairs.
  • Mentees receive an individualized review of their transition plan.
  • Personalized attention from a mentor is offered to each mentee.
  
  • Mentors and mentees may not access e-mail at the same frequency.
  • Matched pairs may not "connect."
  • Greater demand on program instructor to monitor the higher volume of e-mails.
   
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