MESA Mentorship

The MESA Mentor program is a cohort-based mentor program designed to increase persistence among STEM students. The undergraduate experience at SSU is enhanced by promoting and facilitating genuine conversations between peers. Mentors play a critical role in helping new students transition to college life and adopt a growth mindset when faced with challenges in their STEM major. MESA mentors will gain leadership and communication skills, mentoring practice, polish success strategies, and develop a strong sense of campus community and connection to MESA.

  • This is a cohort-based mentorship program designed to support STEM first and second-year students. 

  • Mentors offer:

    • Support and encouragement 

    • Positive affirmation

    • Help finding resources

    • Guidance on academic health and well-being

    • Insight into the STEM experience

The deadline to sign up for Fall 2022 is Friday, September 9, 2022. 

Program Requirements

  • Meet as a cohort, outside of our general weekly meeting pattern, three times each semester.

  • Attend two general weekly MESA meetings each semester with your mentor/cohort.

  • Meet at least once, one-on-one (individually), with your mentor.

What to expect from your Mentor

  • An academic and social role model

  • Campus resource to find programs, services, and departments

  • Encouragement & support in academic and personal endeavors

  • Active, nonjudgmental listening with intent

  • Clear, defined expectations

What to expect from your Mentee

  • Honest self-reflection

  • Commitment to meeting goals

  • Openness about needs and areas of weakness

  • Openness about interest in suggested activities

  • Recognition that your mentor will not always have the answers

What to expect from Each Other

  • Clear, open communication

  • Confidentiality, trust, and mutual respect

  • Commitment to positive outcomes

  • Honest, respectful feedback

    • Mentor-Mentee relationship

    • Effort put into meeting goals

  • Flexibility

How to be a Mentor:

To work as a MESA Mentor, please apply through Handshake (Job #6462739). 

DUTIES OF THE POSITION

  • Mentor a cohort of first-year, second-year, and transfer MESA members.

  • Host 3 meetings for your cohort each semester.

  • Attend 2 MESA Meetings with your cohort.

  • Present at least 2 STEMbytes (Advising Presentations) each semester.

  • Attend monthly training and check-ins with the other Mentors and MESA staff (dates and times TBD).

  • Assist with promotional tasks such as posting flyers, tabling, and classroom visitations. 

How to be a Mentee:

Effective as of Fall 2022, First-Time Freshmen and Second-Year students are automatically enrolled in the Mentor Program as Mentees. If you are not automatically enrolled but would like to participate as a Mentee, please email MESA staff at mesa@sonoma.edu to be added to a cohort. If you have been automatically enrolled and want to opt out, please email MESA staff at mesa@sonoma.edu. 

Getting Started:

Each Cohort will fill out a Mentor Program Syllabus to map out meeting dates, cohort goals, and expectations and exchange contact information. 

Tracking Your Progress:

Mentors and Mentees must complete the Mentor Program Participation Tracker each time they attend a Mentor Program event. 

Link to Mentor Program Participation Tracker: https://forms.gle/5V2V7tCraTADASmL9