Overview:
INSPIRE is a mentorship program that helps UMSL students build career readiness skills and prepare for life after graduation. Students are matched with faculty and staff mentors who provide guidance, support, and a trusted campus connection.
INSPIRE focuses on relationship building, career exploration, and connecting students to campus resources rather than intensive advising. The program also works in a layered mentorship model with iMentor, which supports student to student mentorship and helps facilitate communication and engagement.
Mission:
INSPIRE cultivates meaningful mentorship experiences between students and UMSL faculty and staff members that empower students to grow personally and professionally, preparing them to navigate their future with confidence!
Goals:
- To guide and support UMSL students in their academic and career goals
- To inspire students to achieve their educational and lifelong goals
- To increase student engagement, connectedness, and sense of belonging
- To aid in professional skillset building to prepare students for the workforce
- To connect iMentor student Mentors to Faculty and Staff Mentors
How It Works:
- Faculty and Staff members at UMSL complete a matching survey with their interests and mentorship style
- Students who are interested in being mentored also complete a matching survey with their interests, career goals, and other pertinent information.
- The INSPIRE team then takes the surveys and matches students with a faculty or staff member who best aligns with their interests, career outlook, and overall goals.
- The Mentor and Mentee are then introduced, and begin to meet monthly
- Between meetings, the student mentees attend monthly INSPIRE events, which are planned and executed to aid students in their professional development, social skills, and to work on career readiness. These events are great conversation starters to have with their mentors. These conversations help students explore career paths, build professional skills, and gain insight from experienced campus professionals
Informational Links and Matching Surveys for 2026-2027 Academic Year:
For Questions or Contact, please email isabellaprincipe@slu.edu.