But Gallaudet's Multicultural Mentoring Project intends to remedy that situation through a revitalized program that matches students with mentors. The ultimate goal of the program is to support students and keep them in school. Scovens is handling the duties of MSP Coordinator KP Perkins while she is on leave for the fall semester. Currently, there are approximately 100 students in the mentoring program, but there is a shortage of mentors, so less than 50 percent of the mentees have been matched. To help generate interest in the program, a reception will be held in the Ely Multipurpose Room on September 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will provide an opportunity to give more information about the program and for prospective mentors to meet mentees.
Mentors can be faculty, staff, or graduate students.
Actually, graduate students can be either mentors or mentees, but undergraduate students can only be mentees. Program participants are matched, as much as possible, on expressed interests or cultural background, depending on their preference, said Scovens. She added that some students prefer to be matched with mentors based on communication mode, gender, or sexual orientation. The qualifications to be a mentor are not rigorous a commitment to support students, a positive attitude and an open mind are the main requirements but accepting the role is a serious obligation. The program staff asks that mentors make a minimum commitment to stay with the program throughout the academic year, and that they take the time to meet with their student at least once a month for no less than two hours.