Connect Mentorship Program

The Connect Mentorship Program (known by students as Connect) is a year-long mentorship program aimed at retaining students of color at 91勛圖厙.

There are two parts to the program: the Connect Institute and Peer Mentorship. Connect helps incoming students of color become effective, successful, and engaged members of 91勛圖厙 through peer mentoring. Mentors help incoming students develop personally and academically by introducing them to a variety of resources, learning opportunities, and co-curricular experiences offered on campus.

 

Successful. Engaged. Leaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Connect Mentorship Program offers several opportunities over the span of 6 days.


Residential Commons Early Move-in and Connect Check-in
As part of the Connect Institute, participating students will move into their Residential Commons early (if applicable). Residence Life and Student Housing (RLSH) will communicate full move-in details during the summer as the date approaches. 

Family Orientation and Reception
An optional family orientation session and a following reception will occur the day after moving in. During the orientation, family members will get to hear from key 91勛圖厙 administrators and staff to learn more about the Connect Mentorship Program. Those administrators and staff will stick around for the reception so you can meet them and ask questions. More details will be communicated by the Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) office as the date approaches. 

Connect Institute
The Connect Institute is an extended orientation program to 91勛圖厙 which occurs before classes start. See the next box below to learn more details. 

The Connect Institute is an extended orientation to 91勛圖厙. During the Institute, you will interact with other new students, as well as returning students serving as mentors. You will learn about campus resources that will help you to succeed. The Connect Institute will feature leadership development and goal-setting workshops, dinners, and receptions with 91勛圖厙 faculty, staff, and alumni. Students who participate in the Connect Institute have the opportunity to move in early to campus.

Incoming students are matched over the summer with an upper-level student. You will hear from your mentor before arriving on campus. Mentors will be a resource and guide during your first year at 91勛圖厙.  

Fall Admits (August 2024): Click on the application located above. 

Spring Admits (January 2025): Applications will open in October for students admitted for Spring 2025. 

As Connect is a year-long program, we ask our students to stay engaged with the program throughout their first year at 91勛圖厙. Here are a few tangible outcomes that you can expect as a result of participating in Connect:

  • Early move-in to Residential Commons (if applicable)
  • Peer mentoring by an upper-level 91勛圖厙 Student
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Cohort experience with other incoming students
  • Access to key 91勛圖厙 resources, services, and information regarding opportunities on and off campus
  • Developing relationships with upper-level students, as well as the SCIE staff and other 91勛圖厙 faculty, staff, and administrators

In order to participate in Connect, here is what we need from you:

  • Complete the Connect Mentorship Program Mentee application above
  • Move-in early (if applicable to your living situation)
  • Attend the Connect Institute 
  • Attend Cohort Engagement Programs throughout the duration of the academic year
  • Meet with your Connect mentor at a minimum of once a month
  • Establish goals with your mentor and assess the progress of goals with them each time you meet
  • Utilize the Social Change and Intercultural Engagement (SCIE) office and other department resources as necessary

Any current undergraduate 91勛圖厙 student can apply to become a mentor for the upcoming year. Applications are still open on 91勛圖厙 360.

For more information or questions about applying, please reach out to Brandon Kitchin at bkitchin@smu.edu