See our extended episode notes at https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/identity-and-belonging-in-mentoring/.

What makes mentoring relationships truly effective…and for whom?

In this episode, Karina Hamamouche (Butler University), Hannah Bellwoar (Juniata College), Yujie Huang (Old Dominion University), and Nira Rahman (University of Melbourne), members of a multi-institutional research group from the Center for Engaged Learning’s research seminar on Mentoring Meaning Learning Experiences, draw on their three-year study of mentoring in higher education and help us explore how identity, partnership, and cultural context shape mentoring relationships and students’ sense of belonging.

Through surveys and focus groups, their research reveals both expected and surprising findings: while shared identity can play an important role in mentoring relationships, differences are often intentionally sought to support growth. They also uncover key disconnects between how mentors and mentees understand what matters most – a highlighting the central role of reciprocity, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to rethink mentoring not as a hierarchical structure, but as a human-centered, relational process – one that requires authenticity, negotiation, and attention to both individual and systemic dynamics. The group closes by considering future directions for mentoring scholarship, including cross-cultural approaches and more nuanced explorations of identity and belonging.

Episode Credits

This episode was hosted and edited by Matt Wittstein, and produced by Matt Wittstein in collaboration with Elon University’s Center for Engaged Learning (https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/) .

Themes and music composed and produced by Kai Mitchell, Elon University Music Production and Recording Arts class of 2024. Kai produces music and releases it across streaming platforms with the producer’s name KVI. You can follow Kai on Instagram @theofficial_kvi.

Show art was created by Jennie Goforth and Matt Wittstein. Photo by Tim Mossholder (https://unsplash.com/@timmossholder?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) on Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/photos/a-sign-that-says-you-belong-surrounded-by-plants-ZFXZ_xMYTZs?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText) .

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