Lakeland College

Lakeland College Mentoring Program

Introduction

Ecologists tell us that a tree planted in a clearing of an old forest will grow more successfully than one planted in an open field. The reason, it seems, is that the roots of the forest tree are able to follow the pathways created by former trees and thus embed themselves more deeply. Over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an interdependent mat of life hidden beneath the earth. This literally enables the stronger trees to share resources with the weaker so the whole forest becomes healthier. (Zachary, L.J., 2000, p. 13)

Similarly, human beings thrive best when we grow in the presence of those who have gone before. Our roots may not follow every available pathway, but we are able to become more fully ourselves because of the presence of others. "I am who I am because we are," goes the saying, and mentors are a vital part of the often invisible mat of our lives. (Zachary, L.J., 2000, p. 13)

Great mentors extend the human activity of care beyond the bounds of the family. They impart lessons in the art of living. They see us in ways that we have not been seen before. And at their best they inspire us to reach beyond ourselves; they show us how to make a positive difference in a wider world. (Zachary, L.J., 2000, p. 13)

As Mentors, we will explore our own capacities for establishing genuine trust with others and we will listen with real respect and compassion.

What is the Lakeland College Mentoring Program?

The Lakeland College Mentoring Program is being established to assist new students with a successful transition to college life. The program provides new students with an opportunity to develop a unique relationship with a fellow student - a relationship that will serve to enrich their first year at Lakeland College.

The Mentor Program will begin during "Welcome Week" with a reception hosted by the Mentors to welcome their new students to campus. Additional individual and large group activities will continue throughout the year, and will vary depending upon the interests of each person and the relationships that are developed. The fundamental purpose of all activities is to help new students feel connected to the Lakeland College community, and to make their first year in college a positive and successful experience.

What are the goals/objectives of the Mentoring Program?

• For new students to connect with an upper-class student.
• To help ease the adjustment to being away from home and the beginning of college life.
• To help new students understand the Mission of the College and how it should impact their lives.
• To help them understand the values of the College.
• To help them understand the Campus Compact.
• To assist them with living away from home for the first time and developing autonomy and a sense of being responsible for themselves.
• To assist them with character development.
• To provide resources and a supportive environment during the freshman year experience.
• To discuss how their new life at Lakeland College is going.
• To discuss how classes are going and offer assistance or guidance if necessary to ensure success in the classroom.
• To discuss what they may wish to major in and assist them with this choice.
• To discuss career options.
• To retain 80% of the new students involved in the Mentoring Program.
• To improve the retention of the freshman class by 3%.

Who are the Mentors?

Lakeland College Mentors are upper-class students who have already experienced the trials, frustrations, questions, concerns and triumphs of the first year of college. These students will volunteer their time to be a Mentor because they deeply care about the students at Lakeland College. Their main goal as a Mentor is for their Mentee to be a success in college. Mentors can be a good source of information, help, and friendship. One of the goals of our Mentor Program is for new students and mentors to develop an open, friendly, and engaging line of communication.

How will the Mentor Program benefit our new students?

The program will assist the new students with their transition to college life, will support them during the difficult times, provide them with guidance and advice, and will ultimately help make their college experience both successful and satisfying.

What students will be involved in the Mentoring Program?

All first-time, full-time new students will be asked to participate in this program. Selected new first-time, full-time transfer students with less than 12 credits will also be asked to participate.

How will we inform students about the Mentoring Program?

• Through the Admissions process - counselors will discuss this with students and parents.
• Through the Summer Orientation and Fall Orientation programs
• Through an e-mail blast.
• Through a follow-up information from the Dean of Students.

What group activities might we plan?

• Mentoring Kick-off reception
• A group community service project on campus
• Movie Night in Bossard Hall
• Bowling Night
• A tail-gate party prior to a football or soccer game
• Study Break during finals week (December)

What individual activities do we suggest?

• Have lunch together
• Take them to the Involvement Fair and introduce them to friends
• Take them to one of your organization meetings
• Attend a CAB event together
• Attend a movie together
• Take them to the library with you to study
• Attend a football, soccer or volleyball game
• Attend a Homecoming event together
• Help them prepare for mid-terms. Discuss tips as to how to best study for exams.
• Help them with their preparation for Spring class registration for classes
• Go bowling
• Have coffee at The Daily Grind
• Go out for pizza
• Meet them in Bossard for dinner
• Include them in a leisure activity or hobby that you enjoy

General expectations of Mentors

• To make a commitment to the personal development and adjustment process of their new freshman.
• To commit to the mission and goals of the Mentoring Program.
• To attend an orientation session at the beginning of the year.
• To assess the needs of their student and serve as a guide to academic, cultural, social and personal concerns/opportunities and challenges.
• To make referrals to other faculty and staff when appropriate.
• To assist the student with "being on their own" - separation, isolation and homesickness issues.
• To conduct oneself in a manner that is consistent with the stated mission, values, and policies of Lakeland College.
• To attend and participate in an evaluation/wrap-up session at the end of the program.

Mentor Orientation

• Review of program goals, objectives, expectations, and rewards.
• Review of Lakeland College policies and procedures.
• Review of ARC and Writing Center services.
• Review of Student Life services.
• Review of Career Development services.

Resources for Mentors

• Core I faculty and Academic Advisors
• Student Life Staff to include the Dean of Students or any of her staff
• Student Activity Office
• The Academic Resource Center to include tutors
• The Writing Center

Why would one want to be a Mentor?

The most rewarding part of being a Lakeland College Mentor is the chance to purposefully help an incoming freshman adjust to college life and have a positive first-year experience.

When Does Mentoring take place?

It will take place during the student's first semester at Lakeland College. (Some relationships extend on to the second semester and sometimes beyond!)

When does mentoring begin?

Mentoring begins upon the new freshman's arrival on the Lakeland College campus.

What are the benefits of being a Mentor?

Lakeland College Mentors will receive many personal benefits. Among the most important is the personal satisfaction of knowing that they helped a new student become authentically engaged in the life of the college. In addition, the friendships and relationships that are built and sustained over time are likely to have a meaningful, long-lasting impact on the lives of everyone involved in the program.

What are the specific qualifications for being a Mentor?

Any current upper-classman who is willing to regularly invest some of their personal time to assist several of our new freshmen with their transition into college life during their first full term at Lakeland. We would like all Mentors to attend an Orientation session at the beginning of the semester, some group activities, individual activities and a final evaluation session at the end of the term.

Evaluation - How do we know if the program is successful?

• Track student's participation and engagement in Core I class.
• Track student's participation and engagement in campus clubs/organizations.
• Check student's mid-term grades.
• Track retention of these students.
• Track satisfaction rates of these students.

How Can I Learn More About the Lakeland College Mentoring Program?

You can stop in the Student Life Office in the Campus Center and see Sally Bork, call her at x1531, or e-mail her at borksa@lakeland.edu.