The College of Business Mentoring Program’s mission is important; it aims to ease the transition to the academic and social environment of CSU and the College of Business for diverse and/or first generation freshmen students through a one-to-one mentor relationship. Mentoring Program goals include: welcome underrepresented freshmen into the College of Business and CSU, increase student’s connection with the campus and college communities, and provide academic and professional guidance.
Entering college, all students must adjust in individual ways to a new environment. The College of Business Mentoring Program connects new freshmen from day one. Many mentors contact their freshmen before the academic year even begins. This personal attention and similar gestures make freshmen feel welcome as new members of the CSU and College of Business community.
Mentors consist of junior and senior Business majors in a multitude of concentrations. Mentors are selected by recommendations from the College of Business faculty and staff, or by personal nomination. Spring training allows new mentors to learn ways to assist their freshmen as they enter the doors of CSU. Additional leadership trainings connect mentors to the program, each other, and help develop skills for being a successful mentor.
2009-2010 marks the 6th year of the Mentoring Program. The College of Business celebrates the largest number of program participants at 66 people (33 mentors and 33 mentees) for the upcoming year. This is almost double the amount of the 34 participants in 2003, when the program began. The program’s cyclic nature allows freshmen to be mentees as they start college, and be invited to be mentors as juniors. Twelve current mentors were also participants in this program as freshmen.
Here’s what 2008-2009 mentors have to say about their experience:
- I have been able to be more resourceful both personally and professionally. Also I have been able really think about the questions that my mentee has for me in order to give him a helpful and meaningful answer or advice.
- In both a personal and professional sense, it is exciting to see someone succeed, especially when you are helping them along. I am very thankful for my opportunity to be part of this program.
- The greatest benefit is being able to share knowledge and experiences with someone who is just learning the ropes of CSU. Hopefully you can provide them with more knowledge than you received coming into freshman year.
Here’s what 2008-2009 freshmen have to say about their experience:
- Having this connection with my mentor really helped me, especially with all of his advice.
- I have gained knowledge about the business school that I wouldn't have received if I hadn't talked to older students.
- I was able to ask my mentor any questions I wanted to, which helped me get a better feel for college and feel more comfortable at CSU.
For information, please visit: http://www.biz.colostate.edu/mentoringProgram