Although mentoring has been a popular topic, it has generated much controversy concerning its practice and research validity. The purpose of this volume of New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education is to assist educators in clarifying and describing various elements of the mentoring process. It is also intAnded to enhance the reader's understanding of the utility, practice application, and research potential of mentoring in adult and continuing education. The final purpose is to raise important issues and challenges that need attention if we are to advance the conceptual and practical dimensions of mentoring. This is the 66th issue in the journal series New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education.