Preparing for God Knows What: The Importance of Gender-sensitive Mentoring for Female Students on Christian Campuses

Abstract

Integrating prior research focused on gender climate and expectations in Christian higher education, this article describes mentoring models and strategies sensitive to dual family and career goals frequently expressed by female students. Discussion includes a review of literature relevant to women's mentoring on Christian campuses, exploration of ways different gender-sensitive mentoring models and strategies can be effectively implemented, and recommendations for more intentional integration of faith and gender perspectives in mentoring relationships. Vignettes based on actual student experiences are used to illustrate relevant issues and mentoring concepts. Gender-sensitive mentoring is especially important on Christian campuses since females comprise the majority of student populations and may receive contradictory messages regarding the relative importance of professional and personal priorities due to conflicting scripturally-based perspectives on faith and gender. The paper offers mentoring resources relevant to Christian gender ideologies, expectations, and related areas of student well-being, and ideas that may assist faculty and staff members involved in mentoring to engage in discussions of faith and gender with female students.