University at Buffalo (UB)
Mentoring Circles
AJ Kim, 2023-2024 Distinguished Visiting Scholar and Professor with the Department of Geography, speaking to students in the audience during a mentor recruitment meeting. Photographer: Douglas Levere
Distinguished Visiting Scholars Mentoring Circles provide exciting opportunities for all graduate and undergraduate students to meet and engage with Distinguished Visiting Scholars.
Learn, grow, connect, thrive, share
All UB students have the opportunity to indicate their interest in obtaining group mentoring from the Scholars.
Each of the scholars will lead two “mentoring circles”—one circle comprising 10 undergraduate students, and another, 10 graduate students. Meeting a few times per semester, students in the circles will get to know peers and the Scholars, engaging socially, academically and professionally.
Although scholars will determine the activities in conjunction with students in their mentoring circles, examples of possible activities include virtual tours of key Buffalo/Niagara region sites; film viewings and discussions; music/dance gatherings (virtual or outdoors and virtual); readings and discussions; and exposure to research and creative projects on all forms of social injustice. Activities will be in-person and socially distanced, as well as virtual, such that students may participate regardless of location.
Participation in these programs can possibly lead to:
• preparation for graduate school
• pursuing an undergraduate research project
• obtaining an internship
• publishing a paper
• preparing to present at a conference
• pursuing the faculty job market
The circles are a great opportunity for students to have small group interaction with Scholars and peers, providing support, sharing aspirations and challenges, and learning together.
The circles are open to ALL students, regardless of field, program and major. You need not be in a Scholar’s specific field to apply to join that Scholar’s circle. The time required to participate in these occasional gatherings will be readily managed in conjunction with students' other demands.
Applying is straightforward; indicate your preferred mentor, answer a few questions and share a brief statement, if you choose, about yourself so the scholars can learn more about you.
Connect with a scholar, add to your supportive community, get help mapping out your personal, academic, and professional future, and welcome these wonderful visiting faculty to UB. The benefits to UB students promise to be large and long-lasting.