Mentoring
We used a program where faculty at all levels connected with a small group of incoming students and tracked them through the duration of the program.
We utilize student mentors as well. Our eligibility criteria are that the prospective mentor must display a professional attitude, maintain a certain GPA and attendance record.
They lead in many campus engagement events, help welcome new students at orientation so there is a friendly face on the first day.
Highly recommended!
K.C.,
You just never know the impact you have on someone by simply caring!
Susan Backofen
I agree. Sometimes I never know what seeds I have planted in the hearts and minds of students. Sometimes they call me and tell me what they are doing months down the road. I am always pleased when they share their success stories!
angela,
Teaching is a huge challenge and responsibility! You just never realize how much of an impact you can have on a person.
Susan Backofen
I agree that you have to really care about a student to be a good mentor to them. As an instructor it is my job to provide my students with excellent resources and facts on what they need to know in their career. Alot of students look forward to going to school just to get the mentoring they have been looking for in their career. Students look for us for guidence, therefore we should give them what they need to be very successful in life as instructors.
I do metor a small group of students and I find that it helps them keeep on task. By keeping a watchful eye on the and helping guide them back when they tand to wonder off. They do respond well knowing that there is someone on staff that cares about them and really wants them to do well.
laura,
I love the student mentoring programs! Do you use specific criteria for choosing who gets to be a mentor?
Susan Backofen
We use peer mentoring. The 2nd year student contact the 1st year student. This gives the in coming student the opportunity to ask question that they may be afraid to ask their program director. This also allows the student to improve their communication skills and document. I have the 2nd year students document their contact times with the 1st year student.
Aaron,
Sounds wonderful! Can you provide any details? Do the faculty meet with the students regularly or ?
Susan Backofen
