It is recommended that every student seek out a mentor from their home church, ministry, association, or otherwise, such as a pastor, other church/ministry leader, Christian educator, counselor, librarian, etc. A mentor is one who helps a student in his/her study endeavor.  The mentor encourages, guides, and directs the student in his/her studies.  He/she helps the student in identifying additional study resources in his/her major, and in any necessary improvement in the writing of his/her thesis or dissertation.  This is only recommended, not required, and most students do well without a mentor.