New Mentoring Program Seeks to Improve Graduation Rates

By Whitney Davis · The Mainstream
Published February 8, 2012

A mentoring program started this term aiming to increase student success and retention.

Faculty and staff mentors asked 25 students who had a “rough” fall term if they wanted to participate in a special program that would help set them on a better academic path. The mentors are UCC employees who agreed to volunteer their time to guide these students on the path to college success.

The idea for the mentoring program started in July during an administration retreat when staff brainstormed ideas about how to increase student success and retention rates with a low cost, high impact program.

“I love working with students. I think it’s a great opportunity to work one-on-one with students,” said Corrie Sommerfeld, Transfer Opportunity Program Director.

 “I think it’s a positive thing,” said ASUCC Vice President Chris Harwood.

The program is designed to help students learn time management, study skills, goal setting, and academic planning. Mentors say the program also helps them feel connected with students while giving them support. Students being mentored will be introduced to applicable community resources and will be taught community-building concepts. Students will also be connected as needed with tutoring information.

Mentors are hopeful that the program will succeed, and eventually want to gain more students to mentor.