Closure

Closure is an important part of any relationship. In this context, it is important for the well-being of the student involved.

In the final e-mail, mentors should remind the students and themselves why the project was undertaken to begin with, and retrace the accomplishments.

Mentors may want to reminisce about any funny or memorable moments during the past year.

The mentor should acknowledge the student's efforts in keeping up communication, or if results were mixed, simply encourage the student by praising what she or he did well.

The mentor should search her or his own feelings, and say good-bye to the student as one would a cherished friend, which is what the student, most likely, will have become.

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