Overview
Research studies (Baker & Leary, 1995; Didion, 1996; Hill, Pettus, & Hedin, 1990; Muller, 2000) revealed mentoring relationships play a critical role in students’ decisions and success. The OHSE provides mentoring for COF scholars. To increase the retention rate and success among scholars, the OHSE places them in a tiered mentoring program. Each COF scholar is matched with an upper-class COF scholar in their major as their mentor and receives 3 hours per week of mentoring in their first semester designed to ease their transition into college and their declared major. Although not required after their first year, most COF scholars maintain a relationship with their former mentors/mentees through graduation.
A mentor will:
- Serve as a trusted guide.
- Help their mentees to navigate the university resources and places.
- Support their mentees to strengthen their connection with faculty, staff, and other students.
- Introduce their mentees to co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
- Possess qualities such as caring, compassion, and responsibility.
- Serve as a role model and give advice when needed.
A mentor will not:
- Serve as a parent or legal guardian. Mentors are not responsible to take care of mentees like a parent or a legal guardian does.
- Serve as a psychologist. Mentors are not formal counselors or therapists.