Combining University Resources: Mentor Programs for African American and Latino/a Students Eduardo Mendoza, M.S.W. Northeastern Illinois University – El Centro Monica Meneses, M.A. Northeastern Illinois University – El Centro Wednesday, March 7, 2018 Convention Center, ROOM# 115 C Monica and Eddie

Agenda Ice Breaker Introduction Learning Outcomes Importance of Mentorship Institution Historical Context Funding Program Implementation Things to Consider Q&A Monica

Ice Breaker Eddie and Monica Think back to your college experience. What role did mentorship play in your undergraduate experience? Does your institution have a peer mentorship program? If so, how is it structured? What successes and challenges have you experienced?

Introduction Eddie Mendoza, M.S.W. Coordinator of Student Success and Social Media Monica Meneses, M.A. Coordinator of Student Success, Civic Engagement, and Financial Resources Monica & Eddie

Learning Outcomes Learn how peer mentorship programs increase: Student retention Promote academic success Help students acclimate into new environments Learn a framework to implement peer mentorship programs On various campuses within different departments With varying levels of resources Eddie and Monica

The importance of mentorship Research also suggest that mentor programs positively impact students personally, professionally, and most importantly academically (Levinson, 1978) Mentorship programs are a tool for student success. These programs can help provide a smooth transition for first year students and aid in increased retention and graduation rates (Tinto, 1987; Walker & Taub, 2001) African American and Latino student relationships with peers, faculty, and college administrators are key to their overall success (Waston and Kuh, 1996; Zalaquett & Lopez, 2006) Monica and Eddie

Northeastern Illinois University Monica

Monica

Eddie

Historical Context Scholars Achieving College Success (SACS) GUIAS (GUidance , Inspiration and Academic Support) Peer Mentoring Program Program Component Academic Support Mentee/Mentor Sessions Major and Career Selection Leadership Development Program Evaluation Eddie

Program Evolvement Semester Based Full year Mentor/Mentee Jr Mentors and Professionals Mandatory vs. Volunteer funding Eddie

Collaborative Implementation Key University Staff Outreach From each campus/department Outline each campus’ existing program Identify goals for the students “Student Success” Retreat to collaborate and plan out academic year Workshops/Events/Retreat Outreach to students Survey/Questionnaire Pairings Based on results Monica Identify Important University Dates FAFSA/Scholarships “GRIT” Concept SMART Goal Class Registration

Program Outline Division of Student Affairs Strategic Plan 2013 - 2018 Strategic Goal 1: Excellence in Student Engagement Explore and implement strategies to support the success of our diverse student populations. Northeastern Illinois University Strategic Plan Initiative Goal 1: Student Success: Advance student success from recruitment through graduation by engaging all members of the Northeastern community 1.2 Increase retention and graduation rates for all students. Identify and implement high-impact practices for all students with a special focus on underrepresented populations. 1.3 Develop and implement strategies to support the transition and success of first year and transfer students. Eddie

Questionnaire Examples Basic Demographics Preferred email, ID#, Class Standing, Major Academic Academic Interests Challenges Goals Skill set Personal Hobbies Favorites (Book, TV Show/Movie, Food, etc.) Monica

Frameworks One on One Clusters Professional Mentor Mentor Mentor Mentee Eddie Jr Mentor Mentee

Freshman Retention Cohort Retention FY 2016 N = 36 Fall 2015 to spring 2016 - 80.5% Fall 2015 to Fall 2016 - 58.3% FY 2017 N = 43 Fall 2016 to spring 2017 - 73.8% Fall 2016 to fall 2017 - 45.2% FY 2018 N = 50 Fall 2017 to Spring 2018 - 80.0% GUIAS Retention FY 2016 N = 21 Fall 2015 to spring 2016 - 100% Fall 2015 to Fall 2016 - 85% FY 2017 N = 0 Fall 2016 to spring 2017 – N/A Fall 2016 to fall 2017 – N/A FY 2018 N = 15 Fall 2017 to Spring 2018 – 93.3% Monica and Eddie

Areas of Improvement/Challenges Financial aid Lack of family support Time management College readiness Self Advocacy Areas of improvement Transportation Linking Alumni and Outside Professionals Student Incentives Monica

Things to Consider Commitment Calendar of Events Individual Meetings Key staff need to be involved Participants need to be engaged Calendar of Events Workshops, Retreats, Conferences Individual Meetings Coffee Outings, On Campus Events, Encouragement Overall academic success and retention Eddie

Contact Information Eduardo Mendoza, M.S.W. 773-442-4081 e-mendoza@neiu.edu Monica Meneses, M.A. 773-442-4487 l-meneses@neiu.edu

Thank you for joining us today! Please remember to complete your online evaluation following the conference. See you in Los Angeles in 2019!