The primary goal of the mentoring committee is to match mentors (SUOAF members who have been employed at the University for several years) with newly hired SUOAF minority employees in order to facilitate their professional growth and development and to help them in their acclimation to the University. The subcommittee also continues to work with mentors and mentees already matched, to attempt to continually improve the program and the retention of minority employees. Mentors are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their mentees. This contact includes both on and off-campus meetings (possibly lunch or dinner off campus, and regular contact on campus). In addition, there is generally at least one on-campus group activity each semester, which includes all mentors, mentees and committee members. It is our belief that this mentoring relationship can assist new employees in their adjustment to the University, and can also provide a supportive environment for their professional development.