Student Success Initiatives Program
First Year Mentor Program
How do I get a mentor?
Just fill out this quick application and we'll find someone to connect you with. If you have any questions about requesting a mentor, don't hesitate to call or email us.
Are you an experienced SOU student and feel ready to give back?
Great! Take a moment to fill out our mentor application. We look forward to working with you!
Why do I want a mentor?
For many students, the transition from high school or the work world to college can be a difficult one. They're relocating, having to start over with new friends, learning to live independently of family, and many are having to share a room for the first time in their lives. Not to mention all of the other challenges students attending college for the first time face! (Like managing stress, getting help in classes, dealing with home-sickness and depression, experiencing new relationships, adjusting to college social life, etc.) A mentor is a student who has attended SOU for at least one academic year and is familiar with the resources and opportunities the university has to offer. A mentor is also a source of experience. They went through the newness of college, too! And have valuable tools for survival, navigation, and success at SOU.javascript:mctmp(0);
What would my mentor and I do together?
Whatever you want! Mentors and mentees, (that's you!) meet once a week for at least an hour, and continue to meet throughout the school year. You may have specific questions you’d like to ask your mentor, and of course those questions can be answered. However, this is also a great way to get to know someone! We want to give you the opportunity to make a connection on campus, and hopefully a great friend. Activities will be hosted by the First Year Mentor Program that you and your mentor can attend, as well as a wide range of activities hosted by groups all over campus. There's always something happening!
Mentor Program Contact
Jesse Rapport
Coordinator, First Year Mentor Program
fymp@sou.edu
(541) 552-6213