What is the HCHA Mentorship Program?

Starting college while managing a chronic illness can feel overwhelming and isolating. Our mentorship program connects students with peers who understand, offering encouragement, practical tips, and a sense of belonging.

This program is about friendship, guidance, and shared experience, a safe space where students can support one another and grow together.

 
 
 

Purpose & Goals

  • Build Connection: Create a supportive community where students feel less alone.
  • Empower Mentees: Support self-advocacy, confidence, and growth.
  • Encourage Balance: Share strategies for managing health alongside school and social life.
  • Foster Growth for Mentors: Develop leadership, empathy, and meaningful impact.
  • Promote Resources: Help students discover and use campus tools and services.

How It Works

  1. Apply – Students can sign up to be a mentor or mentee.
  2. Training – Mentors receive training on safe spaces, boundaries, campus resources, and more.
  3. Matching – Participants are paired based on shared interests, goals, or needs.
  4. Connection – Mentors and mentees meet regularly (we suggest once a month) in whatever format works best, coffee chats, study hours, or just checking in.
Program Overview (PDF)

Matching Process

  • Mentees review short mentor profiles and select their Top 3.
  • Matches are made based on fit, preferences, and availability.
  • If a pairing isn’t working, mentors/mentees can request a reset or new match; you are never stuck.

What to Expect

  • Mentees: Set 1–3 personal goals, show up consistently, and communicate openly.
  • Mentors: Offer encouragement, listen first, and respond with care (not fixes).
  • Both: Respect boundaries, agree on communication preferences, and check in regularly.

Privacy & Boundaries

You never have to share more than you’re comfortable with. Conversations stay confidential, except when safety concerns or rule violations arise.

Join the Program

Apply as a Mentee Apple as a Mentor

Need Help?

Questions about matching, schedules, or next steps?
email: studorg-HCHA@uiowa.edu

DISCLAIMER

The mentorship program is peer-to-peer support only. Mentors are fellow students, not medical providers or counselors.

Disclaimer: The HCHA Mentorship Program provides peer-to-peer support only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, counseling, or legal services.

If you are ever in crisis, please call 911 for emergencies or 988 for mental health support.