Scholars' Mentorship Program

Mentoring Advice

 

Peer Mentor

Having a peer mentor should be like having a big brother, sister, or cousin on campus who can assist you to phase into college life more rapidly and smoothly. The two of you should plan your meetings around your regular activities so that they are mutually beneficial and do not consume time that you need for your studies. Below are some suggestions.

Go together or meet:

  1. In the office of your Faculty/Staff mentor;
  2. At Hasbrouck Dining Hall for lunch or dinner;
  3. At the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars' Mentorship Program Educational Center (Shango A-3) to use a computer or learn a new computer program;
  4. At the Sojourner Truth Library to study;
  5. At the meeting of a student organization;
  6. At a campus lecture or cultural activity;
  7. In your room or your peer mentor's room for a brief conversation;
  8. In town in New Paltz for a movie;
  9. In town in New Paltz to shop for food or supplies;
  10. At the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholars' Mentorship Program Educational Center (Shango A-3) to work on your course schedule or weekly activities schedule.

Faculty/Staff Mentor

As always, these meetings may be formal or informal.  They may be held during office hours, at a social or cultural event, a restaurant, or in a home.  The purpose is to provide time for Faculty/Staff Mentors and Protégés to become more familiar with each other and for each mentor to offer any needed advice or assistance.

In the first meeting with your Faculty/Staff Mentor, begin the conversation with some of the questions below:

  1. Thanks for being my Faculty or Staff Mentor.  Why did you decide to serve as a Mentor for the Scholars' Mentorship Program?
  2. Is there one person who has influenced your life the most?
  3. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
  4. What idea or piece of advice has had the most positive impact on your life?
  5. What were your aspirations when you were growing up?
  6. Where did you attend college, and when did you know that you wanted to be a college professor or administrator?
  7. What do you like most about teaching or doing administrative work?
  8. What are some of your short term goals?
  9. What are some of your long-term goals?
  10.  What do you like to do most when you are relaxing?
  11.  What recreational activities/hobbies do you most enjoy?
  12.  Have you been a member of an athletic team, or some other type of team at sports or work?
  13.  What talents and skills did you/do you bring to the team?
  14.  What is one of the most creative things you have ever done?
  15.  What advice do you have for me as a beginning college student?