Mentoring in the English Department is a separate step from advising. Your advisor makes sure that you are meeting all university and Franklin College requirements, and that you're on track to graduate in a timely fashion. They're the ones to ask about requirements and problems at the university and college level. Your mentor is a department faculty member assigned to you once you have declared as an English major. That person "mentors" you through the class selection and registration process, gives you the inside scoop on interesting courses, and makes sure you are meeting all department-level requirements. We can help you with your educational options in the department (certificate programs, areas of emphasis, directed readings), and we're also good sounding boards for your "what should I do after I graduate?!?!?" concerns and prospective plans. As former Graduate Coordinator, have also been the primary department mentor for students in, or interested in, UGA's Double Dawgs program. If you are an aspirant Double Dawg, you can talk with the current Graduate Coordinator, but I'm also happy to share what I know. Each semester, before your registration period opens, you will first meet with your advisor; then, you will schedule a face-to-face meeting with your mentor. Once you've been mentored, your mentor will clear you to register for the next semestser's courses. If you are one of my mentees, here are a few tips and protocols that will help make our meetings as productive and enjoyable as possible: Plan to see me in a timely fashion -- if not early in the term, then in the weeks leading up to and during pre-registration. Don't email me during finals for a meeting -- I am less available once classes have concluded. Do email in advance. Plan to come during office hours; if that's not possible, suggest some possible times that you can be free -- don't just ask "can I meet with you?" Check my teaching schedule first, so that you are suggesting feasible times. Do look over the course offerings for next year, have a sense of what you are and are not interested in, and come in with specific questions. If you have concerns or issues other than the usual "what should I take next semester?", do let me know in advance -- I will try to allot us extra time, if necessary, and/or I will be able to prepare myself for your visit. If you are a senior and are stressing about your future, do take advantage of the other resources on campus (the English Major job course, Career Services, friends and alumni, etc.) as well. I will give you all the help I can, but you may find more detailed assistance elsewhere. Tags: Students
