Development of Student Leaders: Impact of Mentoring by Student Affairs Professionals

• In Event: Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: College Student Learning and Development

Abstract

This explanatory mixed method study was designed to study the impact of mentoring on the development of undergraduate student leaders. In particular, the researchers were interested in understanding the intersection of interpersonal communication skills and the quality of mentoring practices as perceived by student leaders. A Communication Skills Survey was administered to the students to determine the students’ perceptions of their mentors’ communication competence and credibility. Interviews with student affairs professionals and student leaders were conducted to further understand the adviser-advisee relationship. The practices of advisers perceived as effective by their mentees are described. Implications from these findings are important in considering the responsibilities and job descriptions of student affairs professionals in their role of mentoring student leaders.

Authors

• Kim D. MacGregor, Louisiana State University

• Jerry Michael Whitmore, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Erin C. Vaughn, Jackson State University

• Craig A Marcus, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge