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: