NEWS

Official poster of the project.

The University of Santo Tomas - Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) officially launched the Thomasian Alumni Virtual Mentorship Program during the UST Career Symposium 2025 held last March 28, 2025 at the George S.K. Ty Function Halls, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, UST Manila. The project marked a new chapter in how Thomasians support one another across generations. Anchored on the tradition of Tomasian solidarity and excellence, the program connects current students with seasoned alumni who are ready to share their time and expertise through a fully online and exclusive mentoring platform.

OAR Director Assoc. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, PhD during the launching of the mentoship program.

Mentorship has proven to be an invaluable tool for personal and professional growth. It boosts students' self-confidence in their skills and ability to overcome academic and career-related challenges. They feel more connected, motivated, and assiduous. Studies show that participation in alumni mentoring activities can positively impact overall student performance, students' perception of their educational program, and students' satisfaction rates. By pairing experienced alumni with students seeking guidance, mentorship fosters a supportive environment that encourages learning, innovation, and success. As esteemed alumni of the University of Santo Tomas, their insights and experiences can make a significant impact on the next generation of leaders. By sharing their knowledge and offering support, they can help students navigate their academic and professional journeys.

The virtual mentorship program bridges the gap between alumni and students, connects talented students with experienced alumni to foster meaningful relationships, and provides invaluable guidance and empower students to achieve their full potential. Mentees receive advice on specific career paths, industry knowledge, and a more realistic view of the workplace. Alumni, who are already exposed to the corporate world, help students understand the necessary skills, certifications, and pain points associated with a particular industry, thereby equipping them better for the job market. Alumni serve as role models and provide essential psychosocial support, helping students manage anxiety, set goals, and navigate the challenges of their educational journey. Virtual platforms provide a convenient and efficient way to connect alumni and students across distances while removing geographical barriers.

The program will include online training for mentors and an online orientation for mentees, equipping them with effective communication skills, active listening, and providing guidance throughout the entire mentorship program. The Career and Counseling Office (CCC) and OAR developed online training modules and materials to prepare alumni mentors. The program will utilize a dedicated online platform with scheduled video calls embedded in the OAR website, which offers features such as a discussion board, forum, and messaging, video conferencing, and document sharing, providing opportunities for meaningful interaction and knowledge sharing. The web system design provides a secure and protected mentor-mentee access to the platform.

OAR and CCC view the program as a marketable differentiator that is a key competitive advantage in the higher education market. Mentored students are more likely to persist and graduate, which directly impacts the university's revenue from tuition fees. It demonstrates our commitment to alumni success beyond graduation and ensures alumni are connected and invested in the University's mission. Mentors who are highly engaged are significantly more likely to become donors or increase their generosity. Higher graduate job placement rates attract future students and enhance national rankings.

By unveiling the program at the Career Symposium 2025, UST sent a clear message to its stakeholders that the Thomasian journey does not end at graduation. Instead, it evolves into a cycle of giving back where alumni help shape the next generation of leaders, and students, in time, pay it forward.