Become an Ascender Mentor
Are you interested in making a positive impact on a student's life? Consider becoming an Ascender Mentor at South Texas College.
Most mentors are professionals who have successfully completed their higher education journey. Research shows that having a mentor is instrumental in students’ academic success.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please complete our online form. We look forward to hearing from you.
About Mentoring
The mentoring component is crucial in helping students form a network of supportive individuals who will help them through their first year of college. Many students are the first in their families to attend college and a professional from the community who has gone through the same process is a helpful guide. Mentors also serve as an impartial voice that can often help students see the bigger picture when they struggle most.
Your Role as a Mentor
What students look for in a mentor:
- Guidance - down to earth.
- Motivation - calming & respectful.
- Good listener - passion for life.
- Reliable - a beacon of light.
- Advice - makes me think, breaks things down for me.
- Patient - will not judge me.
- Honest - shows me the way.
Do’s and Don’ts As a Mentor
- Remember this is a new relationship, be consistent and positive.
Don’t try to be a teacher, advisor, therapist, or disciplinarian. - Encourage your mentee to aspire and complete their educational goals.
Don’t give or lend money to a student. - Know your limits and set boundaries.
Don’t use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs with your mentee. - Just like you will respect your mentee, ensure that they will respect you too.
Don’t drive reckless or unsafe if you are transporting your mentee. - Try to meet as often as possible.
Don’t put your mentee in harm’s way and make smart and safe decisions about where you will meet with them. - Share ideas about career planning.
Don’t impose personal or political values on a student. - Have fun!
Don’t stress, burden, or overwhelm yourself as a mentor.
Commitments & Tasks
- Agree to spend 6-8 hours with your mentee during the semester.
- Participate in mentor training and mentor-matching sessions.
- Help student set goals.
- Attend Ascender events if possible.
- Acknowledge your mentee’s success.
Mentor Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a paid position? No, being a mentor for the program is a voluntary and unpaid position. However, your work is very well rewarding, fun and well-worth it, as you help first-year students with their college experience.
How often does a mentor meet with their mentee? These meeting are scheduled once per month during the semester and prepared by the Ascender Mentor Coordinator. The sessions usually last from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Mentors will likely spend 6-8 hours per semester.
What is the time commitment? We ask mentors to commit for a period of two consecutive semesters, beginning in the fall.
How is the matching done? The mentor coordinator will match mentors with students with similar backgrounds and/or career interests using the information in the mentor/mentee profile forms. It is important that both mentor and mentee feel comfortable with each other.
What should I do if I can't continue mentoring? If you cannot continue mentoring, it is essential to notify the Ascender Director or Coordinator as soon as possible as well as your mentee.
Who should I notify if I am unable to attend a meeting or if I have issues or concerns? For questions or concerns related to the mentoring aspect of the Ascender Program, contact:
Anna B. Alaniz
Ascender Director
956-488-5869
abalaniz@southtexascollege.edu
