Pancratz Mentor Program
The Pancratz Mentor Program offers Nistler CoBPA alumni and current Nistler CoBPA students the opportunity to engage in a meaningful mentorship experience.
The Pancratz Mentor Program is an opportunity for students in the UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration to connect with experienced professionals through formal mentorship. Mentees will have the ability to develop their professional skills, seek career advice, and begin to build a professional network. Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will open on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The deadline to apply is Saturday, February 28 at 11:45 PM.
How does it work?
The Pancratz Mentor Program is a cohort-based model. This means that each academic year, a group of mentees begins the program at the same time in the fall semester and graduates from the program in the spring semester of that academic year. The mentees of a cohort get to know each other through unique opportunities to attend Nistler College events, professional development workshops, community involvement events, and social activities.
How are mentor/mentee matches made?
Matches are facilitated through careful consideration of factors such as major, career goals, desired industry, and several other variables. Each mentee’s application and interview provide our staff with important information we use to select a match.
What is the application process?
Applications for the upcoming academic year open in the prior spring semester. Eligible Nistler students are invited to submit applications until the closing date. Once applications are reviewed and students are selected, Pancratz staff matches each student with a professional. Mentees receive their mentors early in the fall semester, and the relationships begin.
Because of the individualized nature of this program, there are a limited number of mentee spots available each year. Eligible students must submit the required application materials by the deadline and interview with Pancratz staff. Students will be notified of their application status before the end of the spring semester.
What are the application eligibility requirements?
- Be majoring in an UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration field of study
- Have completed at least one full academic year (second-year student status)
- Have at least one full academic year left as a student
- Be dedicated to the time, energy, and commitment of a full-year mentorship
- Meet with your mentor at least once per month in person, on the phone, or via Zoom
- Agree to fulfill program requirements, including attending meetings and events as outlined during the program kickoff each fall semester.
What is the program timeline?
- February 1: Applications open
- February - March: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews conducted as applications are received
- February 28: Applications close
- By the end of the spring semester: Students are notified of their acceptance status
- Throughout the summer: Selected mentees are thoughtfully matched with mentors based on interests and goals
- Fall semester:
- Mentees attend a program kickoff event and are officially introduced to their mentors
- Mentor–mentee pairs begin connecting and building their professional relationship
- Mentees participate in required events and complete program activities designed to support their growth
Benefits of Mentorship
The Pancratz Mentor Program offers many benefits for participating students, including:
- Access to the Pancratz Center's tools, resources, and network
- Establishment and growth of a professional network
- Opportunities to strengthen professional communication skills
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Help in defining personal and professional goals and the strategies to achieve them
- Unique insight into internship and full-time employment opportunities
- Knowledge about industry trends and their impacts on future career paths
- Feedback on career preparation materials
The Pancratz Mentor Program connects Nistler College of Business & Public Administration alumni with current Nistler CoBPA students to provide support with career and professional development. Mentors volunteer their time and expertise to help students establish and work toward their career development goals.
Pancratz Mentor Eligibility
We welcome applications from UND Nistler College alumni to serve as mentors. Our mentors have:
- Professional experience in business or public administration.
- A positive attitude and willingness to lend guidance.
- Enthusiasm for leadership within their field.
- A passion for helping students succeed.
- Open and honest communication style.
- Availability to meet in-person, over the phone, or virtually each month with a mentee throughout the duration of the program.
A Pancratz staff member will reach out to schedule a conversation regarding your application. Our goal is to facilitate intentional and meaningful matches between mentors and mentees. Just as we invest time in getting to know mentees prior to joining the program, we also get to know potential mentors.
Benefits of Becoming a Mentor
While the benefits to student mentees might be obvious, there are also many rewards to becoming a mentor, including:
- Development of leadership and management skills.
- Gaining fresh perspective from future young professionals.
- Ability to share the knowledge you've gained and lessons you've learned to help students.
- Increasing your company's profile with Nistler CoBPA students, faculty, and staff.
- Staying connected to the Nistler CoBPA.
Student Testimonials
Elyn Dunavan
"The mentor program was a valuable and insightful experience. Throughout the program, we explored a variety of professional development tools that helped set me up for success after graduation. I also had the opportunity to expand my professional network and build meaningful connections, making this a truly rewarding experience."
Hannah Thorlakson
"Participating in the mentorship program has had a lasting impact on me—both personally and professionally. Through the guidance of my mentor and the structure of the program, I gained the clarity and insight I had been searching for. This experience helped me find direction, build confidence in my decisions, and better understand my goals and values. It also allowed me to strengthen meaningful connections with my peers and members of the community. I am sincerely grateful for the guidance, leadership, and relationships I have gained through this program."
Mason Martinson
"Being part of the Pancratz Mentor Program gave me the chance to connect with someone who truly understands the journey I’m on. The mentorship, advice, and support I’ve received from my mentor and the Pancratz staff have excelled me both personally and professionally."
Madison Morrell
"The mentor program provided me with the tools to build a meaningful relationship with my mentor, while also offering exciting opportunities to attend events, connect with new people, and participate in rewarding volunteer experiences."