Alums/Mentors

CSB+SJU’s SEAM program (Student Exploration through Alum Mentorship) provides students with practical experience to complement their academic preparation in traditional liberal arts majors.

Through a three-part experience, students will observe, explore, and reflect upon a particular career path as it relates to a liberal arts education. The experience includes informational interviews with an alum mentor, their colleagues, and an in-person or virtual site visit.

By mentoring a student, alums demonstrate a belief in and commitment to the value of a CSB+SJU liberal arts education and to the growth and development of future Bennies and Johnnies.

mentor interest form

faculty/staff/alum Recommendation

Reasons to Become a Mentor:

Make a difference in the life of a student
Skill development in areas of mentorship, professional coaching, leadership
Showcase your own liberal arts journey, be a role model
Connect your organization to a great potential employee or intern

What Makes a Good Mentor?

Must be an alumna/i of the College of Saint Benedict or St. John’s University, currently active in a professional work setting
Have an interest in supporting CSB+SJU, its students, and their professional development
Excited to encourage and support the learning aspect of the student’s SEAM experience

Time Commitment:

Before the Mentorship Journey: Attend a brief on-boarding orientation
During the Mentorship Journey: Three career exploration conversations, two career conversations with colleagues (arranged by mentor), and one site visit (either in-person or virtual) during spring semester.
After the Mentorship Journey: Ideally, the student and mentor will establish a relationship that continues throughout the student’s time at CSB+SJU. Complete program evaluation in order to provide feedback about the experience.

Recommend an alum mentor or become a SEAM mentor next year. Student applications will be available October/November each year – the Mentorship Journey takes place in the Spring semester.