The transition from high school to college is exciting, yet even for the most accomplished and confident of students, it’s also a time of uncertainty and major change. The one thing that is certain is that life will be very different. The First-Year Mentor Program is designed to assist first-year students in easing into this time of uncertainty and change by giving them a mentor, a friend they can rely on and turn to, someone who can help make a big difference in their success at Eastern Michigan University. Mentoring is a powerful tool in making a successful transition into the EMU community, both academically and socially.

How do I sign up?

What is a Mentee?

"Having someone there to talk to has made adapting to college life a little easier. You're away from home for what might be the first time in your life, and having a mentor allows you to get your fears out and get some friendly advice." - Kurtis Redmond, Mentee

A mentee is a first-year student who would like to make a positive transition into the academic and social life of EMU by engaging in collegiate and community building experiences. If you're new to college, uncertain about what kind of activities to get involved in, anxious to make new friends, planning to commute, interested in learning about available academic support - this program is for you! And check this out - our research shows that those engaged in campus activities and organizations stand a much better chance of completing their degree. The First-Year Mentor Program will help you maximize your first-year in college.

Together, you and your mentor will discover what it means to:

• Make good decisions for yourself
• Develop solid study habits
• Maintain healthy relationships
• Balance your responsibilities
• Handle stress and anxiety
• Experience new ideas and activities
• Find and make new friends
• Connect to the EMU community

The First-Year Mentor Program is a perfect way to begin to develop this crucial sense of belonging and involvement. Sign-up today to take advantage of this program designed especially for you!

What is a Mentor?

The First-Year Mentor Program, a person-to-person support system between first-year students (mentees) and upperclass students (Mentors). Mentors are happy to drop the inside scoop on college survival skills like finding a great place to study, how to meet new people, and juggling the academic and social parts of college.

Mentors are an extraordinary group of upperclass students who are role models for success at Eastern Michigan University. They represent the cultural diversity of the campus, and come from a broad range of academic majors and extra curricular interests. Mentors volunteer their time, energy and resources because they want to share what they have learned about being successful in the academic and social life of EMU. They want to make a difference and they care about first-year success. Mentors are committed to helping new students find their niche at the University and develop a sense of belonging among their new EMU family.

First-Year Mentor Volunteer Description

• You will assist a first-year student in making a positive transition into the academic and social life during their first semester at EMU by dedicating your time, energy and resources.
• You must regularly check your my.emich e-mail account (@emich.edu). This is how all communication, including up-to-date information about campus events and activities will be sent throughout the semester
• Time commitment, as a mentor, is for the fall semester.
• Attend one 2 hour training session during the Fall semester, usually held during the first week of classes.
• Communicate with your mentee at least one hour per week, either through a one-on-one interaction or through First-Year Mentor Program sponsored activities.
• As a mentor, you will have the opportunity to participate in service-learning, social, and academic events across campus and in the community.
• You can and will have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a first-year student at EMU!
• Abide by all EMU policies and follow all guidelines governing the mentor position.
• Maintain at least a 2.3 cumulative GPA while serving in the capacity of a mentor.

Each mentor is expected to take part in a training during that will take place during the first week of the Fall semester. You will meet your Mentee at the First Year Mentor Program Kick-Off which will take place the first Friday of the school year, Friday, September 5th, 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?

• Mentors and mentees are expected to make contact every week. We highly recommend about 1 hour of contact per week, whether it be via e-mail, phone, instant messanger, or in person, to make sure things are on the right track.
• Mentors and mentees are required to attend on training session before being matched with a mentee or mentor for the semester. (Please click on the "Training & Kick-Off" tab on the menu bar for times and locations of training sessions).
• We highly recommend you attend the First-Year Mentor Program Kick-Off. This will be your first opportunity to meet your mentor/mentee. Along with meeting your mentor/mentee for the first time, you can enjoy great good, win some cool prizes, and meet other students in program.
• There are many events sponsored by/supported by the First-Year Mentor Program and they are all free. We recommend you take advantage of these opportunities to hang out with your mentor/mentee and meet others who are in the program.

How do I get to events if I don't have a car?

Not to worry if you don't have a car. If a program is happening off campus, transportation will be provided for free for program participants.

Does it cost anything to participate in the program?

The program is free! The cost of all materials and admission to events sponsored by the program are covered by the First-Year Mentor Program. Costs associated with extra activities that each mentor and mentee may choose to do together will be the responsibility of the mentor and/or mentee.

What are the benefits of being part of the First-Year Mentor Program?

There are so many benefits involved in being part of this program! Some of the benefits include:

• Receiving up-to-date information about campus events and activities
• Participating in social and academic events across campus and in the community
• Developing and practicing your communication skills
• Exploring diversity
• Meeting new people and making new friends
• Making positive difference in the life of a first-year student at EMU (for mentors)
• Gaining valuable advice from an upperclass EMU student (for mentees)

These are only some of the benefits of being part of the First-Year Mentor Program.

How long does the mentor/mentee relationship last?

The relationship officially last through the end of January (the First-Year Mentor Program officially runs September-January). Even though the official program ends in January, many mentor/mentee relationships last a lot longer. Many build friendship that last through the rest of college and some that will last for the rest of their lives! It is up to you!

How am I matched with my mentor/mentee?

All mentors will be assigned at least one mentee. Mentors can specify if they would like more than one mentee (not to exceed three). Mentors and mentees are matched based on similar majors and co-curricular interests. These matches are based upon the information you provided on your application.

What do I do if my mentor or mentee is non-responsive?

A non-responsive mentee or mentor is not beyond the realm of possibility. When signing up, some students feel as though they will have more time that what they anticipated. If this does happen, you should not take it personally. Notify the First-Year Mentor Program (fymp@emich.edu or 734.487.3045) of your mentor's or mentee's lack of responsiveness. We will follow-up with you to make sure everything is okay and then, if necessary, we will match you with a new mentor or mentee.

Still have questions?

• Please feel free to e-mail us at fymp@emich.edu
• or call Orientation and Transition Programs at 734.487.1208