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Everything You Need to Know About The LINK Program
Everything You Need to Know About The LINK Program
Clear answers about our Community of Practice model, participant expectations, matching, and pilot structure.
Program Identity & Philosophy
Program Identity & Philosophy
What does LINK stand for?
LINK stands for Learning, Inquiry, Networking, & Kinship.
Is LINK a traditional mentoring program?
No. LINK is a structured Community of Practice (CoP) built on reciprocal learning. Unlike traditional mentor–mentee models where an expert directs a novice, LINK brings interpreting students and certified interpreters together as learning partners. Everyone has knowledge to contribute, regardless of years of experience.
Who created and coordinates the LINK Program?
The program was created and is coordinated by Kiarah Moore.
Participant Roles & Expectations
Participant Roles & Expectations
Who is eligible to participate as a LINK (Certified Interpreter)?
Participating LINKs must hold an active interpreting credential recognized by the program (BEI or RID), be actively practicing within the profession, and commit to active participation throughout the pilot academic year.
Who is eligible to participate as a Student Participant?
Student participants must be senior interpreting students enrolled in a participating interpreter education program approaching the transition into professional practice. For the Fall 2026–Spring 2027 pilot, student participants will be drawn from senior students taught by the program creator.
Is there a minimum amount of experience or certification required to become a LINK?
Is there a minimum amount of experience or certification required to become a LINK?
There is no minimum number of years that you must have been certified to participate in LINK.
However, because LINK is designed to connect senior interpreting students with practicing professionals who have had time to develop their professional judgment and reflective practice, a minimum of three years of professional interpreting experience is preferred.
We recognize that years alone do not define the value someone brings to a conversation. Thoughtful reflection, humility, curiosity, and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue are equally important qualities of a LINK.
Are certified interpreters expected to evaluate, tutor, or grade students?
No. LINKs are not expected to supervise, evaluate performance, provide formal tutoring, offer skill remediation, or serve as on-demand advisors. LINKs participate as reflective dialogue partners who share experiences and ask thoughtful questions.
What is expected of a Student Participant during LinkUps?
Students are expected to prepare by reviewing the monthly LinkUp Discussion Guide, bring thoughtful questions and developing perspectives to each conversation, engage actively in professional dialogue, and complete a post-meeting reflection.
Logistics & Monthly LinkUps
Logistics & Monthly LinkUps
What is a LinkUp?
A LinkUp is a focused, approximately one-hour conversation between a matched student and certified interpreter centered on a predetermined professional topic, guiding question, and educational objective.
What is the total time commitment?
Participants complete one LinkUp per month (~1 hour) across 6 months during the academic year (specifically September, October, November, February, March, and April) plus a few minutes following each meeting to submit an individual reflection.
How and where do LinkUps take place?
LinkUps offer complete scheduling flexibility. Pairs independently coordinate their monthly hour and can meet virtually, over the phone, or in person based on what works best for both participants.
What is a LinkUp Discussion Guide?
Each month, participants receive a discussion handout containing a monthly theme, central guiding question, educational objectives, optional resources, and suggested conversation prompts to ground the dialogue without creating heavy coursework.
Matching, CEUs, & Administration
Matching, CEUs, & Administration
How are participant pairs matched?
Matches are created holistically by program administrators reviewing individual LINK Profiles. Considerations include scheduling compatibility, geographic location, practice settings, professional interests, career goals, and reflective responses.
Can certified interpreters earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Yes! Certified interpreters can earn up to 0.90 CEUs for total completion of the six-month Community of Practice program, aligning with RID Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) standards.
Is there a cost or fee to participate in LINK?
No. There is no cost or fee to participate in the LINK Program.
What happens if a pair encounters scheduling challenges or concerns?
Program administrators remain available throughout the pilot to support pairs, assist with scheduling, provide clarification, and address participation challenges as needed.
Have a question not answered here?
Have a question not answered here?
We are here to help. Reach out directly to program leadership or submit an interest form.
We are here to help. Reach out directly to program leadership or submit an interest form.
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