Student Mentors
Can anyone share how their Student Mentor program works? Does a Student Mentor work with an individual student or a group of new students?
group is usually better in the sense that there is a forum , and more than one views is shared
Tami--
If you are just starting, I would encourage you to make it a 'big deal' to be selected. Have them competitively apply, or have to be nominated (or both), establish minimum guidelines like academic or attendance standards. They could also go through a training program to prepare them for their role as mentors.
Some institutions do make it a 'perk' by awarding credit or a minimum having a banquet at the end of the year with a certificate awarded. This is the type of thing that looks great on a resume if they need to show that type of leadership experience.
Susan
Elsa--
If you have the right students as mentors, this is an extremely effective retention tool...and provides your mentors with some leadership opportunities as well!
Susan
I can understand how this could be considered an honor once the program is established, but how would you get started with this sort of program? Do they get "perks" or rewards for being a mentor? We have a very small school so are looking at having a "student ambassader" for each cohort that starts. Thanks
work with a group of students, I belived would be extremally beneficial for students staring a new carears
Roksana--
Mentors can have one or several 'mentees'...but you want to keep the number manageable. I would suggest no more than 3.
The most effective mentor programs, in my opinion, select mentors and provide them with training and support. This can be a program where it is an honor to be selected and certainly something they can put on their resume.
They should have some type of regular communication expectation that is reviewed by a staff person. Clear lines should also be drawn regarding when they should connect the student with a faculty/staff person as opposed to answering the question themselves.
Susan
