What to Expect as a DSJ Fellow Mentor

Learn about the role, time commitment, and benefits of serving as a DSJ Fellow Mentor.

The Role at a Glance

DSJ Faculty Mentors guide at least one student fellow through a year-long, community-engaged social justice project. Mentors serve as thinking partners and advocates — not directors or supervisors of the work. Mentoring a DSJ Fellow counts toward faculty service and includes a summer stipend.

The Projects

Fellows pursue inquiry-based, community-engaged projects at the intersection of social work and social, economic, or environmental justice.

Projects vary — a fellow might be exploring a community health disparity, documenting the experiences of a marginalized population, or examining a policy’s impact on a local community.

Mentors don’t need expertise in the fellow’s specific topic; they need curiosity and a commitment to supporting student scholarship. Prior mentoring experience is not required. Familiarity with research or IRB processes is a plus but not expected.

Time Commitment

Mentors commit to three consecutive semesters — summer through spring. The core time commitment is approximately 1–1.5 hours per month for fellow meetings, with a bit more upfront during summer and occasional communication as project needs arise throughout the year.

Mentoring is designed to be meaningful without being burdensome. Mentors should expect:

A summer planning phase that requires the most concentrated engagement — helping the fellow define their focus and build a realistic plan

Monthly check-ins with the fellow throughout the academic year, with additional contact based on project needs and mutual availability

Occasional light touchpoints with the DSJ Committee as the year progresses

Overall, the commitment is roughly equivalent to supervising an independent study.

Benefits

Summer stipend

Faculty service credit

The opportunity to support student-driven scholarship aligned with social justice values

Support from the DSJ Committee

Mentors are not on their own. The DSJ Committee Chair serves as your primary point of contact throughout the year — providing orientation to the fellowship, keeping you informed of key milestones, and available if questions or challenges arise.

Questions?

Contact the DSJ Committee Chair, Angelina Valdespino, at amvaldes@nmsu.edu