1. Bobcat Bond New Mentor Orientation Fall 2017

2. Mission
The program's mission is to increase the retention of students by providing second year and transfer students opportunities to learn from mentors who serve as coaches, role models, advisors, guides and referral agents.

3. What is Bobcat Bond?
Program that provides a relationship that helps an individual to grow and develop.
Bobcat Bond encourages student engagement.
It provides a support base and a sounding board for mentees.
It helps students navigate the campus that can be overwhelming.

4. Mentoring Examples

5. Mentoring Examples

6. Mentoring Examples

7. Mentoring Examples

8. Mentoring Examples

9. Benefits for Mentees Helps them feel connected & confident
Provides role models
Someone who knows how to find the campus resources they need
Increased engagement, a higher GPA, and increased retention
Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences
Someone who knows what it takes to be a successful student
Can begin to develop their career development plan
Someone they can talk to about academic and/or personal issues

10. Mentee’s Responsibilities
Regularly contact you and keep you updated on progress
You’re investing in them!
Explain expectations and what they want out of the program
Participate in Bobcat Bond Program activities
Make honest effort to succeed

11. Your Expectations?

12. Benefits for Mentors Connects you with students more directly
Helps you understand problems/issues from the mentees’ point of view
Feel needed/valued and are retained
The chance to make a difference in someone’s life
Encourages effective and open communication

13. Your Responsibilities
Commit to the program and your mentee(s)
Meet regularly at times agreed upon
Communicate regularly through , Facebook, text messages
Participate in Bobcat Bond Program activities
Be a resource and provide positive reinforcement for students
Help connect students to people and resources

14. Things To Do Attend Bobcat Bond activities together
Mid-Term Relaxer
End of the Year Awards Ceremony
Weekly connections (face-to-face, phone, Facebook, Twitter, text messaging)
Coffee/Breakfast/Lunch
Attend student organized activities together
Brilliant Bobcats Workshops
Attend athletic and/or cultural events
Football, Volleyball, Soccer games
Attend a speaker event together (Common Experience, etc.)
Attend job/housing fairs

15. Typical Mentee Concerns
New town, new people – friends & connections
Academic success
Adjusting to college (home sickness)
Finances
Opportunities (Jobs, involvement on campus)
New found responsibilities
“My first F!”
Questions about major
First time living off campus/roommate issues/apartment troubles
Time management skills/sleeping habits
Crisis management
DEADLINES DEADLINES DEADLINES!

16. Resources for Students
Attorney for Students
Student LBJSC
Career Services
Counseling Center
Student Health Center
Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion
Student Financial Aid & Scholarships
Student Learning Assistance Center
Campus Recreation
Writing Center
Planning, Assessment, Leadership, & Marketing Office in LBJ Student Center

17. Tips Find common interests – break the ice!
Be actively involved in discussions with your mentee
Collaborate on goals for your relationship
Get specific! See in what specific ways you can help your mentee
Be yourself!
The only way to get them to open up is if you show them who you are
Be open & honest
HAVE FUN!

18. QUESTIONS?

19. Terence Parker or Alex Patlan
Bobcat Bond Contacts
Terence Parker or Alex Patlan
Bobcat Bond Staff