by
Shawna Barzdukas
University of Northern Colorado

The Theta Psi Chapter instituted a new program for its members this year. Members could apply for the University of Northern Colorado Accounting Department Mentoring Project. The project allows each student to build a relationship with a professional in which the student will reap many benefits, including building a network, developing professionalism, determining goals, and learning more about accounting.

Two Theta Psi officers, Dawn Hampton and Shawna Barzdukas, are serving as the student administrators for the project. They designed the project. Developed a handbook, recruited professionals to serve as mentors, and paired each student with an experienced professional from the community or surrounding areas.

In September a training session was held for the students and the mentors to introduce and explain what a mentoring relationship entails. After hearing a mentoring expert speak and receiving the handbook with ideas for meetings, the mentors and mentees paired off and set up times to meet for the rest of the semester. The pair is required to meet for approximately one hour each month and can meet more often if desired. Currently, fourteen of the chapter’s twenty-six members are participation in the project, along with twenty-five younger accounting students.

Several members have expressed how valuable the mentoring experience has been for them. When asked about her mentor, Vice President Dawn Hampton responded, "Being able to be in touch with a professional outside the university is a great benefit to me." Member Don Dority also believes that his mentor has helped him. Dority said that his mentor is great and has provided him with a valuable experience that he would not have received otherwise.

The Theta Psi Chapter is pleased with the program’s success and would be happy to share more in-depth program materials with any chapters that are interested in starting their own mentoring project. To receive this information, please write or e-mail either Dawn Hampton of Shawna Barzdukas at one of the addresses listed below.

Mail
Beta Alpha Psi Mentoring Project
UNC College of Business Administration
Accounting Department
Greeley, CO 80639

E-mail
Barz8011@blue.univnorthco.edu