Alumni

Mentoring Program

The Cubs Club Mentorship Program aims to connect current Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) MS students and recent graduates to an IHN alumnus/a as they navigate their academic and/or professional goals beyond their graduate studies. Initially launched in 2022, Cubs Club provides a space in which mentors from a variety of backgrounds, professions, and industries can give back to the IHN community by bringing their unique perspectives to interested mentees.

Mentees who would like to connect with a potential alumni mentor can view the “Cubs Club Alumni Mentors” page (under IHN Career Services) by logging on to Canvas with their UNI and associated password. Mentors are separated by industry, with biographical information and their preferred forms of contact listed on their individual pages. Upon finding a suitable mentor, mentees are encouraged to contact their prospective mentor to set up an initial meeting to discuss the nature of their mentor-mentee relationship, including frequency of meetings and mentorship goals.

Program Expectations:

Mentors:

  • At your first meeting, agree on mutual expectations for the mentor-mentee relationship. Be clear about the level of guidance and time investment you are willing and able to provide.
  • Be respectful of mentees’ time. If you can no longer attend a scheduled meeting, please promptly inform your mentee via email or text.
  • Keep the information shared by your mentees private.
  • If you can no longer act as a mentor, please promptly contact the Alumni Relations Chair, Perri Nelson (pn2382@caa.columbia.edu), so your status can be updated.

Mentees:

  • Agree on mutual expectations for the mentor-mentee relationship.
  • Be respectful of mentors’ time. If you can no longer attend a scheduled meeting, please let your mentor know promptly via email or text.
  • Be receptive to suggestions and feedback from your mentor(s).
  • If you can no longer participate in the Cubs Club, please inform your mentor promptly so they can open their schedule for additional mentees.

If you are interested in being a Cubs Club mentor, please fill out the Cubs Club Mentor Questionnaire found here.

Should you have any questions regarding the Cubs Club program, please reach out to IHNAA Alumni Relations Chair, Perri Nelson, at pn2382@caa.columbia.edu.

We look forward to your participation in Cubs Club!