Mentoring In Action: Students to mentor administrators, faculty, staff

Mentoring In Action: Students to mentor administrators, faculty, staff

Mentoring in Action is a new program developed by the Undergraduate Student Government as a result of the 2008 Climate Study prepared and implemented by the Office of Institutional Diversity.

Mentoring in Action aims to engage students, administration, staff and faculty on issues facing the University of St. Thomas campus, expand and build upon the existing community, and help UST community members connect through diverse viewpoints.

The mentor-mentee partnership is based on openness, respect and trust. Confidentiality is a key element in the success of the partnership.

Following are some benefits to participants in the Mentoring in Action program.

Mentee:

  • Interface with a paired student mentor to examine perspectives about the student experience at St. Thomas
  • Learn more about the student development process: how to relate to multiple student issues at St. Thomas
  • Gain a better understanding of the impact administrative decisions have on student morale

Mentor:

  • Gain satisfaction from helping a UST community member
  • Prove yourself as a valuable leader
  • Expand networks of contacts and information channels
  • Invest in the future of UST

The purpose of the Mentoring in Action program is to enlighten each participant on another view of campus life through dialogue, discussion and learning. The topics will be challenging yet insightful.

The goals of the program are to encourage administrators, staff and faculty to learn about life on campus through a student's point of view; to increase communication on campus; to enhance awareness of other cultures, viewpoints, and issues (i.e., diversity, student life, academics); and to build stronger relationships between the student body and administrators, staff and faculty. 

A program orientation will be held in the beginning of the school year followed by periodic checkpoints. The year will close with a final assessment. Monthly face-to-face meetings should be held throughout the year. The student also is responsible for coordinating "learning opportunities" (e.g., class time, on-campus event, club meeting) with his or her mentee.

Note two important dates:

  1. The deadline to apply for the Mentoring In Action program is Tuesday, Sept. 23.
  2. Mark your calendar for the fall orientation luncheon over the convo hour, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Rogge-Leyden Room of Murray-Herrick Campus Center.

More information about Mentoring In Action, a mentee application and a mentor application can be found online. Questions about the program can be e-mailed to Britney Bryant, USG president, or Tracy Vangh, student diversity relations chair.