GEM | General Information for Mentors
Thank you for agreeing to serve this year as a Georgia College & State University GEM mentor – all of us here at GCSU want you to know how much we greatly appreciate your interest in the program and your support of our students. Simply put, without your involvement, this experience would not be possible.
Program Overview | In the Georgia Education Mentorship program, GCSU students are matched with leaders in fields such as business, education, politics, healthcare, law, and industry, many of whom are members of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. These executives serve as mentors for participating students and support their personal and professional growth by providing opportunities for them to learn about the principles of leadership and success that benefit the professional world and the community.
Participating students also take part in leadership and professional development programming that allows them to build relationships with their fellow participants, discuss lessons they are learning in their mentorship, and develop skills to help them meet the challenges of the professional world. GEM offers a direct connection between classroom knowledge and real world experience, and in doing so, provides an opportunity for the leaders of today and the leaders of tomorrow to work together to build a brighter future for our communities and our state.
Established in 2002, and initially funded by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, GEM is a creative partnership between GCSU and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Since the program's inception, over 280 GCSU students have participated in GEM.
Shadowing Visits | Shadowing visits are the heart of the GEM experience, as they allow students to witness leadership in action in the professional world. Students are encouraged to watch closely, listen carefully, and participate actively in these visits, for their observations, thoughts, and experiences will contribute significantly to the lessons they learn. Students and mentors are asked to complete at least three shadowing visits over the course of the year.
The details of a shadowing visit often vary depending on a number of factors: the nature of the mentor's job, the particular interests of the student, current events, and the flexibility of the mentor's and student's schedules. Some visits take place in the office and involve students meeting professional staff and learning how everyone contributes to the success of the mentor's organization, and others take place out of the office on trips, site visits, meetings, and so forth. Mentors are simply encouraged to look for engaging opportunities where students may be able to gain insight into what it takes to lead and succeed in the professional world, and each student is sure to learn something quite unique. If you have any questions about what might make a good shadowing visit opportunity, feel free to contact John Bowen.
General Information | Students are asked to communicate regularly with their mentors and share their personal experiences with their fellow participants and the leadership programs staff. Over the course of the year, students submit summaries of their shadowing visits, meet to discuss a variety of leadership concepts, and complete reflection assignments intended to help them examine the meaningful elements of their participation.
Last year the decision was made to extend GEM from a one-semester to a two-semester program, and by all accounts, it sounds like that was an improvement everyone greatly appreciated. This extension allowed additional time for mentors and students to meet and for the program to offer new on-campus opportunities.
This year we have enhanced the program even further. One new component is that students will participate in book discussions focused on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, both written by Stephen R. Covey. Mentors are encouraged to discuss the concepts within these books with their students if interested and the opportunities arise. Another development is that students will now receive academic credit for their participation in GEM to reward them for the time they commit to this significant learning experience.
Academic Responsibilities for Students | Academic responsibilities at GCSU are the students' priority, and they are advised to explain to their mentors an inability to schedule a meeting due to an announced quiz, exam, etc. However, students are strongly encouraged to maintain a flexible approach to their personal schedules so that they may take advantage of any shadowing visit opportunity. GCSU faculty members have been very supportive of GEM, and the Office of Academic Engagement will provide any necessary written confirmation an instructor may require.
Program Evaluations & Feedback Forms | Near the end of spring, students and mentors are asked to complete program evaluations and feedback forms. This assessment is vital to the ongoing success of GEM, as each year the program is enhanced by the experience of the students and mentors participating the preceding year. Everyone's candid feedback gives the leadership programs staff the insight needed to provide an enriching experience for all. When the time comes, we would love to hear what you enjoyed about your experience as well as what suggestions you might have.
The GCSU Leadership Programs Staff are grateful for your involvement and available to assist you in any way as you serve as a GEM mentor. Please contact John Bowen if you ever have any questions or ideas.
