UTRID Mentoring Program Handbook
Participant Guide & Program Expectations
This handbook provides an overview of the UTRID Mentoring Program, including program expectations, timelines, participant responsibilities, and resources to support a successful mentoring experience.
Please review each section carefully before beginning the program.
UTRID Mentoring Program Handbook | Updated August 2026
Eligibility & Requirements
Learn who the program is designed for and what participants can expect.
Program Commitment
The UTRID Mentoring Program is a three-month professional development experience designed to build connections, support growth, and strengthen our interpreting community.
3-Month Program
Participants commit to engaging throughout the full mentoring program period.
Mentoring Meetings
Mentors and mentees are expected to meet 3–4 times each month throughout the program.
Mentee Participation Fee
Mentees participate with a $75 program fee to support program coordination and resources.
Mentor Eligibility
Mentors are experienced interpreters who are committed to supporting professional
growth and sharing their knowledge with the next generation of interpreters.
- Deaf and hearing interpreters who are part of the Utah interpreting community
- Minimum of 5 years interpreting experience
- Must hold one or more of the following certifications:
- UCPI (Utah Certified Professional Interpreter) or higher
- UCDI (Utah Certified Deaf Interpreter)
- Recognized RID certifications (NIC, CI/CT, CDI)
- EIPA 4.2 or higher
- Other qualified interpreters may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Mentee Eligibility
Mentees are individuals seeking guidance, professional development, and support
as they continue their interpreting journey.
🌱 Emerging Interpreters
Interpreters with a novice certification, those working toward advancement, or
interpreters seeking additional support as they continue developing their skills.
🎓 Students & Graduates
Interpreting or Deaf Studies graduates working toward certification or entering
the interpreting profession.
🤟 Deaf Community Members
Deaf community members pursuing CDI credentials, heritage signers working toward
certification, and ASL-returned missionaries.
Other applicants may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Participant Expectations
- Commit to regular participation throughout the three-month program.
- Attend scheduled mentoring meetings and actively engage in discussions.
- Communicate openly and respectfully with your mentor or mentee.
- Set goals and participate in activities that support professional growth.
- Contribute to a supportive and inclusive community of practice.
Ready to Join the Program?
Whether you are ready to share your experience as a mentor or grow with the support
of a mentor, we invite you to apply.
Program Overview
The UTRID Mentoring Program is a structured three-month experience designed to support professional growth through meaningful mentor–mentee relationships. Participants establish goals, meet regularly, and engage in reflection throughout the program.
📝 Application & Enrollment
Interested mentors and mentees submit an application to determine eligibility.
Accepted mentees complete a one-time $75 participation fee, which is paid directly to their assigned mentor.
🤝 Program Kick-Off & Pairing
All participants attend a required virtual kick-off meeting where program expectations are reviewed, mentor–mentee pairs are assigned, and participants begin scheduling meetings and discussing development goals.
🎯 Goal Setting & Development Planning
Within the first two weeks, mentor–mentee pairs establish and submit a
minimum of three SMART goals. Participants may optionally attend a guided
Individual Development Plan session for additional structure and support.
📅 Ongoing Mentoring & Check-Ins
Throughout the three-month program, mentor–mentee pairs meet regularly with a minimum of 3–4 meetings per month. Participants complete brief surveys at the beginning, midpoint, and conclusion of the program to support reflection and program improvement.
🎓 RID CEUs Available
⏱ Complete 10+ Hours
Participants must complete 10 or more hours of mentoring activities during the program to qualify for RID CEUs.
Eligible activities may include:
- Group meetings
- Guest lectures
- Weekly mentoring meetings
📝 Document Meetings
Participants must document mentoring activities by completing a Google Form after each meeting.
The form includes 3 simple questions to verify participation, support reflection, and document CEU requirements.
🌱 Program Completion & Reflection
At the end of three months, mentors and mentees complete final evaluations reflecting on goals, growth, and the mentoring experience. Participants are invited to attend an optional virtual wrap-up meeting to share insights and help inform future mentoring programs.
Program Timeline & Milestones
Follow your journey from application through program completion.
Each milestone builds on the previous one to help mentors and mentees
develop meaningful professional relationships.
📝 Application Timeline
Applications open approximately 2 weeks before each mentoring cycle begins.
If you miss the application deadline, you must wait until the next mentoring cycle opens.
Program Length
The UTRID Mentoring Program spans approximately 3 months (12 weeks).
Participants meet regularly throughout the program while completing
individual goals, reflections, and required program activities.
🗺 Your Mentoring Journey
Select a milestone below to jump directly to that section.
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🚀 Getting Started
Before your mentoring journey begins, several important steps take place
to prepare you for a successful mentoring experience.
Application & Selection
- 📝 Applications are submitted during the application period.
- 👥 Mentor and mentee applications are reviewed.
- 🤝 Mentors and mentees are thoughtfully matched.
- 📧 Welcome information and program expectations are provided.
- 📅 Initial mentoring meetings are scheduled.
Week 1 — Orientation & Kickoff
The first week establishes the foundation for a successful mentoring relationship.
Objectives
- Meet your mentoring partner.
- Establish communication preferences.
- Review program expectations.
- Discuss confidentiality.
- Set professional goals.
- Create your meeting schedule.
Milestone:
Complete your initial meeting and begin goal setting.
Weeks 2–4 — Building the Relationship
Mentors and mentees begin developing their relationship through
consistent meetings, discussion, and goal-focused activities.
Focus Areas
- Regular mentoring meetings.
- Professional discussion and reflection.
- Work toward established goals.
- Share resources and experiences.
- Document progress.
Weeks 5–8 — Midpoint Review
The midpoint provides an opportunity to reflect on progress and make
adjustments to support continued growth.
Checkpoint
- Review progress toward goals.
- Celebrate accomplishments.
- Adjust goals if needed.
- Identify areas needing additional support.
Mid-Program Milestone:
Complete a progress check-in before continuing the mentoring journey.
Weeks 9–11 — Continued Growth
Participants continue building skills, strengthening relationships,
and preparing for completion of the mentoring cycle.
- Continue scheduled mentoring meetings.
- Strengthen professional skills.
- Reflect on growth.
- Prepare final reflections.
- Identify next steps for continued development.
Week 12 — Program Completion
The final week celebrates accomplishments and provides an opportunity
to reflect on the mentoring experience.
Complete the Program
- Hold your final mentoring meeting.
- Review your original goals.
- Complete reflections and evaluations.
- Provide program feedback.
- Celebrate accomplishments.
Throughout the Program: Expectations for Success
- Maintain regular communication.
- Attend scheduled meetings.
- Respect confidentiality.
- Complete required activities.
- Stay engaged and accountable.
- Be open to feedback and professional growth.
Meeting Expectations
Mentor–mentee pairs are expected to meet regularly throughout the three-month program. Consistent communication and dedicated meeting time help participants build relationships, work toward goals, and maximize the mentoring experience.
🤝 Meeting Frequency
Mentor–mentee pairs are expected to meet a minimum of:
3–4 meetings per month
💻 Meeting Format
Meetings between mentor and mentee should be conducted by mutual agreement. Meetings may take place either in person or remotely, based on the preferences and availability of both participants.
⏱ Meeting Length
Each mentoring meeting should be approximately:
30–60 minutes
📌 NOTE
Additional meetings may be held if both the mentor and mentee agree and schedules allow.
🎓 Guest Lectures & Group Mentoring
Up to three times during the program, UTRID will provide guest lectures and group mentoring sessions held remotely through Zoom.
Guest lectures are optional, but highly encouraged as an opportunity to build community, share experiences, and strengthen connections among program participants.
🎯 Required SMART Goals
Mentors and mentees must establish and submit a minimum of three SMART goals by the second week of the program.
Achieving Meaningful Outcomes
These goals will serve as a guide throughout the mentorship process, ensuring both participants are aligned in their expectations and focused on achieving tangible outcomes.
Participants are encouraged to create goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to support meaningful progress throughout the program.
📚 Goal Setting Resources
Participants are encouraged to utilize the following resources when developing their SMART goals:
- Individual Development Planning Resources: Novice Interpreters – IDP Resources
- SMART Goal Generator: SMART Goal Generator Tool
- Sample Guided Individual Development Plan: Sample Worksheet PDF
🤝 Program Support
Throughout the mentoring program, participants may be provided with additional tools, activities, and learning opportunities to support professional growth and progress toward individual goals.
Examples of program support may include:
- Free Canvas courses
- Practice activities and materials
- Online video repositories
- Feedback and assessment rubrics
- Ongoing support from program facilitators
🏆 Certification-Based Goals
If Utah certification is the eventual goal, participants are strongly encouraged to use the appropriate rating criteria as a foundation when creating their goals.
Rating criteria resources include:
Program Feedback & Accountability
Throughout the mentoring program, participants will complete surveys and provide feedback to support program evaluation, participant success, and continuous improvement.
📝 Required Program Surveys
Both mentors and mentees will complete three brief program surveys throughout the mentoring cycle:
- Beginning of Program
- Midway Through Program
- End of Program
Each survey is expected to take approximately 3–5 minutes to complete.
🎯 Purpose of Surveys
Program surveys help:
- Measure progress throughout the mentoring experience
- Improve the participant experience
- Strengthen and improve future mentoring programs
📅 Meeting Documentation & CEU Requirements
Program surveys are separate from the required meeting documentation forms used for RID CEU credit tracking.
Participants seeking CEUs must complete the required meeting reporting form after each mentoring meeting. These brief check-ins document participation, support reflection, and verify completion of program requirements.
Professional Commitment
The UTRID Mentoring Program is based on a structured mentoring model developed by the Catie Center and adapted to support the professional growth and development needs of interpreters.
The program is built on mutual respect, professionalism, and active participation. Both mentors and mentees contribute to creating a successful mentoring relationship through communication, preparation, and engagement.
✅ Participant Responsibilities
All participants are expected to:
- Attend scheduled mentoring meetings and actively participate in the mentoring process.
- Communicate professionally, consistently, and respectfully with their mentor or mentee.
- Prepare for mentoring discussions and actively engage in goal-setting activities.
- Complete required program surveys, evaluations, and meeting documentation.
- Take ownership of their professional development and follow through on agreed-upon goals.
🤝 Mentoring Approach
The UTRID Mentoring Program follows a mentee-driven, adult learning model. Mentees are encouraged to take an active role in identifying goals, seeking feedback, and directing their professional growth.
Mentors serve as professional partners who provide guidance, encouragement, perspective, and support throughout the mentoring relationship.
The mentoring relationship is collaborative and supportive rather than a traditional teacher–student relationship. Both participants contribute to meaningful conversations, reflection, and professional development.
🌱 Building a Successful Mentoring Relationship
Successful mentoring relationships are built through trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to growth.
- Respect each other’s time, experience, and perspectives.
- Provide constructive feedback in a supportive and professional manner.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism throughout the program.
- Communicate proactively when challenges or scheduling conflicts arise.
Application Timeline
Applications open approximately 2 weeks before each mentoring cycle begins. If you miss the application deadline, you must wait until the next mentoring cycle opens.
Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through Google Forms. Applicants will provide information about their experience,goals, and acknowledgment of program expectations.
🤝 Mentor Applicants
Mentor applications include:
- Credentials currently held
- Mentoring experience (none required)
- Acknowledgment of program information, including payment and meeting requirements
🌱 Mentee Applicants
Mentee applications include:
- 5–10 minute introductory video (more information)
- General information about current experience
- Certification or professional goals being pursued
- Acknowledgment of program information, including payment and meeting requirements
What Happens After You Apply?
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and program fit.
- Mentors and mentees are thoughtfully matched.
- Participants receive program information and expectations.
- Initial meetings are scheduled before the mentoring cycle begins.
Ready to Apply?
Choose the application that best matches your role in the mentoring program.
If applications are currently closed, follow UTRID on social media for updates on the next application period.