1. 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, Convention Center, ROOM# 115 C
Monica and Eddie

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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Northeastern Illinois University
Monica

8. Monica

9. Eddie

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

16. Freshman Retention Cohort Retention FY 2016 N = 36
Fall 2015 to spring %
Fall 2015 to Fall %
FY 2017 N = 43
Fall 2016 to spring %
Fall 2016 to fall %
FY 2018 N = 50
Fall 2017 to Spring %
GUIAS Retention
FY 2016 N = 21
Fall 2015 to spring %
Fall 2015 to Fall %
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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Contact Information
Eduardo Mendoza, M.S.W.
Monica Meneses, M.A.

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