1. Faculty Mentoring Program for Students with Disabilities
ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER

2. What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is typically a one on one relationship between a mentor and mentee. The mentor’s primary goal is to guide and advise the mentee whenever possible, in relationship to the specific purpose of mentoring (ie: an academic mentor is someone who mentors someone else who wishes to develop skills and knowledge in the same academic area they specialize in).

3. Who can be a mentor?
Anyone who is patient and understanding of a person and their unique needs
Anyone who can dedicate at least a few hours a semester to meeting or communicating with their mentee to keep track of progress and current happenings

4. Benefits of Mentoring Programs
For the mentor…
For the mentee…..
Opportunity to exercise leadership
Chance to build connections within the mentee’s networks
Ability to assist in developing the field of expertise
Guidance, and advisement
To have someone assist with managing goals and ambitions
A sounding board to ensure the mentee is staying on track
A role model to utilize as they grow into their own successful self.

5. What are we looking for?
This program matches Rowan faculty with students with disabilities to assist them in transitioning to college; developing networks and ties within their selected program interests
Faculty mentors assist students as they pursue their academic and career goals

6. How would faculty be matched with a student?
Faculty mentors are matched with a student based on the student’s major and or the student’s disability
Faculty mentors would receive additional information on working with students with disabilities to help ensure a successful mentoring experience

7. What resources are available to faculty?
Training to develop skills as a mentor.
Training to discuss and educate faculty on the details of disabilities
Connections with the Academic Success Center to review and discuss any concerns that you and your mentee may have and to identify resources

8. Faculty’s Role As a Mentor
To meet with students periodically to review current concerns and progress in reaching short and long term goals
To help students become familiar with the department of their major
To guide students through learning and navigating Rowan’s different policies and procedures
To support students as they develop confidence and self advocacy skills required for their success at Rowan

9. Students’ Role as a Mentee
To effectively and actively communicate ability to make appointment times
To set goals and discuss these with their mentor
To explore and pursue options reviewed and discussed during mentoring
To be open and honest about barriers and concerns

10. Why Do Students Need Mentors?
Students with disabilities have often times little experience learning to advocate for themselves. When these students transition into college some struggle in asking for assistance in areas such as advising, housing concerns, tutoring and course registration
Mentors can establish a safe and friendly setting to review these options

11. Why Do Students Need Mentors?
To assist them in setting and reaching the goals that they establish once they come to school. Setting and achieving goals is very difficult and having a support system familiar with what they are trying to do can go a long way

12. In conclusion…
Mentoring is a positive way to make connections with incoming students
Mentoring is a beneficial opportunity for students to establish a connection within their field of study
Mentoring allows both students and faculty a new opportunity for connections, and understanding

13. Thank You
For more information about the Faculty Mentoring Program for Students with Disabilities, please contact: