Welcome to the College of Business Mentoring Program!
The College of Business (COB) Mentoring Program aims to ease the academic and social transition from high school to college for first-year students by connecting them with people who want to help with this adjustment. The 3 biggest concerns first-year students generally have about transitioning to college include: 1) adjusting academically, 2) meeting new people/getting involved and 3) living away from home. The Mentoring Program offers support to students who are first-generation students, from racially/ethnically diverse backgrounds, rural communities (small towns), and/or from out-of-state. The Mentoring Program offers this support by providing a one-to-one relationship with a current COB junior or senior student mentor who volunteers to help their new student be more successful in the College and at Colorado State. Mentors draw upon their own experiences to provide friendship, suggestions and guidance on everything from classes, study strategies, campus organizations and resources, to good eating spots.
In addition to the mentor/mentee relationships, students receive support by being part of the close-knit mentoring program community where they meet other mentors and mentees. Twenty-five mentoring pairs make up the mentoring program, representing students from all backgrounds with diverse interests and experiences. This year’s mentoring class hails from places like Texas, California, Kansas, Alaska, Illinois, Utah, Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Greeley, Windsor, here in Fort Collins, and little towns in between.
Mentoring Program Events
Monthly Mentoring Program events are a key component of the program for program participants. Mentees gain further academic and social support for their first year, while mentors advance their communication and leadership skills through their relationships with their mentees and on-going mentor trainings. Two mentoring events are offered each month and although a majority of them are voluntary, they are well attended! The mentor year kicks off with the Fall Reception & Orientation in August where mentors and mentees meet for the first time. Other events include academic workshops, social activities and career/professional development opportunities such as resume writing as well as interviewing and communication skills. Leaders from the Fort Collins business community are invited guest speakers who offer students valuable advice as well as information concerning internship and job opportunities.
Program events are primarily based on students’ interests and scheduled on various week days. See the spring semester event schedule under the Program Schedule tab. Previous events have included:
- Game nights
- Academic study skills workshops
- Movie nights
- Miniature golfing
- Hiking
- Mentor/Mentee potluck
- Scavenger hunt in Old Town
Benefits of the Mentoring Program
- BETTER ADJUSTED – Research shows that first-year Mentoring Program students are better adjusted and earn higher grade point averages than first-year COB students not involved in the program
- SKILL DEVELOPMENT – Mentors gain valuable leadership, communication and professional skills through their one-to-one relationship with their mentee, monthly program events and on-going trainings
- PRIORITY ADVISING – Mentors and mentees are contacted before other students about scheduling advising appointments and planning future semesters
- PROFESSIONAL/CAREER SKILLS – Students make connections with leaders in the Fort Collins business community and receive information about internships and job opportunities
What Students Have to Say about the Mentoring Program
“I became a mentor because I want to help a first-year student learn the ropes of college life at CSU & Fort Collins. I want to provide all the assistance that I can and be there for her/him. Most of all, I want to make the transition to college fun and rewarding.”
“Having someone who's been there, done that, makes decisions a lot more manageable. Plus, as a first-generation student, it was nice having someone who knew what the transition was like.”
“Talking with my mentor online and on the phone before attending college was really helpful! On my second day up here we met and I believe we’ll have a lifelong friendship.”
“The greatest benefit about being a mentee is the support network the program offers. I know that I’ll always have someone who can answer my questions as a business student.”
The Application Process
Mentees and mentors are selected through competitive application processes. Mentors are selected the spring prior to the academic year they serve as mentors, and mentees are selected the summer before their first-year at Colorado State.
Click on the Mentor or Mentee tab for specific application procedures.
If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Katie Ditter
Mentoring Program Coordinator
Undergraduate Advisor
katie.ditter@business.colostate.edu
(970) 491.3725