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Honors Mentors
Spring 2013 Application Deadline: March 22, 2013
The Honors Mentor Program is a unique opportunity for Honors students to enhance their college experiences by interacting with other Honors Students. This program is a completely student-run, peer-to-peer program that is dedicated to furthering the academic, leadership, and social goals of the Honors Program. Mentors serve as a role model for our freshmen in their first year at USU and in the Honors Program. It is an excellent opportunity for upper-class students to get involved in the Honors Program, expand their knowledge and leadership skills, and give back to the university.
How the Program Works
Apply to be an Honors Mentor
Meet the Honors Mentors
How the Program Works:
Mentors:
- are chosen in the spring of each year and, during the summer, are matched up with our fall semester incoming freshmen according to college, major, and interests.
- are trained at the beginning of the academic year with advising skills in each of their respective departments, knowledge of university resources, policies and procedures, and leadership so they can serve as a guide and role model.
- are a direct connection with the first-year students and are a main channel of communication from the Honors Program.
- connect with 8 or 9 freshmen, forming a "mentor circle." These mentor circles meet periodically throughout the semester with their mentor for fun activities, academic check-ups, and Honors-sponsored events.
- can be nominated for the "Mentor of the Year Award" by their mentees. This award goes to the mentor who has gone above and beyond the expectations of a mentor, who has made a personal connection with his/her mentees, and who has distinguished him/herself through service to the Mentor Program and the University. This outstanding mentor is awarded at an Honors Awards Banquet at the end of the spring semester.
Mentees:
- enjoy the wealth of knowledge and experience of fellow students.
- have a personal contact to go to for questions and support.
- build friendships and increase self-awareness in their initial year at USU.
- have potential for accelerated learning, growth, and networking.
- have the opportunity to nominate their mentor for the "Mentor of the Year" award in the spring.
This Program is a completely student-run, peer-to-peer program
- A student committee of Head Mentors plans and implements all Mentor Program activities and events.
- Head Mentors work under supervision of the Honors Office Staff.
- Head Mentors coordinate with the Honors Student Council via a Head Mentor that serves on both committees and acts as a liaison between the two groups.
- Mentors may also serve as Honors Fellows or HSC members in addition to their participation in the Mentor Program.
Mentor Program Activities include:
Meet Your Mentor Activity: All first-year students and mentors get together the week before school starts in the fall (Connections week) to meet their mentor circles and get to know one another with fun games and food!
Attend an Event: Mentors will attend either an Honors- or University-sponsored even with their mentees--this can be collectively or on an individual basis and can include everything from a service project to an Aggie basketball game in the Spectrum.
Scheduling Party: Because each mentor is trained in his/her respective department, mentor circles will meet before pre-priority registration for a scheduling party where the mentor will help the mentees put together their schedules for the next semester. This takes into account University graduation requirements, class prerequisites, and Honors classes or contract work. Students are then prepared to meet with their academic advisors with a foundation for their four-year plans.
Brain Break: As the semester passes, classes quickly end and students begin to feel the stress of finals. Mentor circles get together and have a quick break from studying refocus and rejuvenate their minds for their fast-approaching exams.
Applying to be an Honors Mentor
Honors Mentor Program Qualifications:
In order to become an Honors Mentor, one must:
- have completed two years at USU and at least one year in the Honors Program (two is preferred)
- have a strong knowledge of the Honors Program and its procedures
- be on track to graduate with Departmental Honors (at least one completed contract is preferable)
- have strong organizational skills
- have time to devote to the position
- have the ability to delegate and work well with others
- have excellent communication skills
- uphold university standards and policies
Previous involvement in Honors is also a consideration.
Honors Head Mentor Qualifications:
In order to be become an Honors Head Mentor, one must:
- have completed at least one year in the Honors Program by the beginning of the new Mentor term (two is preferred)
- have a good knowledge of the Honors Program and its procedures
- be on track to graduate with Departmental Honors
- have time to devote to mentees
- work well with others and be a team player
- be willing to help plan and implement Mentor Program activities
- uphold university standards and policies
How to Apply:
The application process includes an:
- Information sheet (download here)
- Essay
- Copy of an unofficial transcript
- Interview the week following the application deadline
All information and application materials must be submitted to the Honors Office (015 Old Main) before the application deadline to be considered for these opportunities.