Grow in Character. Lead with Purpose. Learn Alongside Others.
The Gordon & Joyce Carper Integrity in Leadership Mentoring Program brings Berry students and mentors together around shared interests, experiences, and aspirations.
As active members of a thriving, student-led community, students take ownership of their growth while learning with and from peers and community mentors. They are challenged to reflect on who they are becoming, what they value, and what it means to lead with integrity in their personal, academic, and professional lives.
Open to undergraduate and graduate students, Carper provides meaningful relationships and experiences that support students’ growth while inviting them to take increasing responsibility for the growth of others.
Student-Led Cohorts
At the heart of Carper are cohorts of students who share a common interest, professional path, or experience.
Cohorts meet regularly—some weekly and others monthly—and are shaped by the students who lead and contribute. Meetings may include peer-led conversations, guest speakers, workshops, mentoring, professional development, or activities designed around the goals set by the group.
Current and developing cohorts span a variety of interests, including medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, finance, marketing and communication, creative technology, athletics, and faith.
Students don’t simply participate in Carper. They lead it. Cohort leaders take responsibility for creating meaningful experiences for their peers, while cohort members benefit from learning alongside near peers and, in turn, have opportunities to guide and encourage others.
Mentoring That Matters
Meaningful mentoring relationships are at the heart of Carper.
BCIL connects students with an extensive network of community mentors who bring professional expertise, life experience, and a desire to invest in Berry students. Depending on the needs of each cohort, mentors may join students for a conversation, share their professional journey, host students in the workplace, or develop a more sustained mentoring relationship.
Mentoring also happens student to student. Through peer relationships, students learn to listen well, ask meaningful questions, challenge and encourage one another, and support one another in their next steps.
Together, these relationships create space for students to develop not only as professionals, but as people of character who are prepared to lead with integrity.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Carper gives students opportunities to explore where their interests might take them and to learn directly from people and organizations doing meaningful work.
Opportunities may include:
- Workshops & Cohort Experiences - Activities designed around the interests and developmental goals of each cohort (e.g., personal statements, workshops).
- Guest Speakers & Professional Connections - Conversations with professionals who can offer perspective, encouragement, and practical wisdom.
- Shadowing & Workplace Visits - Opportunities to experience the intersection of character and profession firsthand alongside Carper mentors and community partners.
Resources to Bring Ideas to Life
Each Carper cohort receives funding to support its activities and goals. Cohorts can use these resources to create experiences that are meaningful to their members and can also apply for supplemental funding for special projects and new initiatives.
BCIL works alongside student leaders to help turn their ideas into experiences that benefit their peers and strengthen their cohort.
Find Your Cohort—or Help Build One
Whether you’re exploring a career, looking for meaningful mentoring relationships, interested in developing as a leader, or simply want a community of peers who will challenge and encourage you, there may be a place for you in Carper.
Don’t see a cohort that fits your interests? You may be able to help start one. BCIL works with students to develop new cohorts based on student interest and emerging needs.
Interested in Carper? Tell us a little about yourself, and we’ll help you explore where you might fit.