Have a Cup of Coffee Mentoring Program

This program connects members in need of mentoring with experienced professionals.

How It Works

Mentors and mentees will meet once during the Annual Meeting for an hour; there is no expectation of the mentoring relationship extending beyond this meeting unless both parties agree.

Mentors are welcome to mentor up to three different mentees at different times/dates throughout the Annual Meeting. Mentees can only participate in one mentoring session.

Mentees will select a mentor based on availability and area of mentoring expertise. Selections are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sign-up is now closed.

Mentee Instructions

Whether you are a graduate student, contingent faculty, junior faculty, or anyone searching for some wisdom and guidance, this is a great opportunity for you to talk with someone who can help you navigate the ins and outs of the religious academy and beyond. The AAR will contribute funds for each mentoring hour to help offset the cost of the beverages.

• You may select only ONE mentoring slot.
• Choose a mentor based on field of study, professional interests, experience, and/or expertise.
• Mentor selections are made on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Check to make sure the time slot you choose is compatible with your schedule.

Mentor Requirements

Mentors should have:

• Five or more years of professional experience in the field.
  NOTE: If you have less than five years of experience, you can still apply for consideration if you have a specific area of expertise to share.
• Expertise in any of the following areas: leadership, publishing, diverse careers, tenure applications, contingent faculty challenges, strategic decision-making, organizational skills, work/life balance, or job market processes.
• A willingness to share insights in the profession to help guide the mentee.
• Availability to meet a mentee for one hour on Saturday, Sunday, or Monday at the AAR Annual Meeting.

The mentor is meant to be a sounding board and guide. The mentor will not necessarily be in the same field as the mentee and will not necessarily be available to read their work. It is appropriate for a mentor to request a curriculum vitae from potential mentees.