Frequently Asked Questions

I would like to be a mentor, but I am really busy. How much time does being a mentor involve?

This is the one of the best benefits of communicating through email. You can correspond when you have a few minutes free without having to expend a lot of time. You can literally respond every week with as little as 10 or 15 minutes a week. Another benefit is that the things you already think about every day such as your projects, team members, accomplishments and stresses are the things that would be really interesting and helpful for your mentee. One of the main objectives of the program is to help students get a clear view of what it is like to be a law student. By sharing descriptions of some of your daily activities with your mentee, your are helping them to prepare for future semesters.

What does a mentor do?

A mentor provides support and encouragement to a law student through regular email correspondence and personal meetings. The mentor should encourage the student to continue her pursuit of a career in law and answer questions that students have about what student life is like. By sharing experiences and advice based on her own experiences here at Florida Coastal the mentor will help her mentee better understand and deal with the stresses of law school. The mentor can also be a valuable link for the mentee to use in networking.

What is expected of mentees?

Mentees should contact their mentors regularly and especially when they are feeling discouraged or have questions that the mentor can help answer.

How often should we communicate with each other?

As often as you desire and your schedules permit. If you can't communicate for an extended period of time due to schedule pressures, please let your partner know this.

Who is eligible to be a mentor?

Any second or third year student at Florida Coastal. Mentors should also be friendly, personable and willing to commit to at least one school year of regular correspondence (how regular is up to you and your mentee ).

Who is eligible to be a mentee?

Answer: Any first year student at Florida Coastal.

How do I become a mentor?

To become a mentor you should contact Susan Winterberger; Carol Kuczora; Beth Stockdale, or Linda Calvert-Hanson.

How do I become a mentee?

Please contact Susan Winterberger; Carol Kuczora; Beth Stockdale, or Linda Calvert-Hanson.

Note: Because the program is still very young, we have a limited number of mentors available and not every applicant may be given a mentor immediately. However as soon as a suitable mentor is available you will be contacted.

How long does the program last?

Mentors and mentees will remain matched for one school year. At the end of the year, if both participants desire they should maintain a relationship throughout law school. The participants should feel free to continue their friendship and communication outside the bounds of the program. Hopefully, after the first year of participation in the WLSA mentoring program, the mentee will remain in the program as a new mentor for the next generation of students.

I have a complaint, problem or suggestion for improving the program. Where can I send it?

Your comments are very important to us and we appreciate all types of feedback. Please send questions and comments via email to Susan Winterberger; Carol Kuczora; Beth Stockdale, or Linda Calvert-Hanson.

I lost the email address of my mentor/mentee. How can I get it again?

Please contact Susan Winterberger; Carol Kuczora; Beth Stockdale, or Linda Calvert-Hanson, and we will look it up and send it to you. We will of course verify your identity first.