Why Mentoring Works

Ecologists tell us that a tree planted in a clearing of an old forest will grow more successfully than one planted in an open field. The reason, it seems, is that the roots of the forest tree are able to follow the pathways created by former trees and thus embed themselves more deeply. Over time, the roots of many trees may actually graft themselves to one another, creating an interdependent mat of life hidden beneath the earth. This literally enables the stronger trees to share resources with the weaker so the whole forest becomes healthier. (Zachary, L.J., 2000, p. 13)

Similarly, human beings thrive best when we grow in the presence of those who have gone before. Our roots may not follow every available pathway, but we are able to become more fully ourselves because of the presence of others. "I am who I am because we are," goes the saying, and mentors are a vital part of the often invisible mat of our lives. (Zachary, L.J., 2000, p. 13)

Great mentors extend the human activity of care beyond the bounds of the family. They impart lessons in the art of living. They see us in ways that we have not been seen before. And at their best they inspire us to reach beyond ourselves; they show us how to make a positive difference in a wider world. (Zachary, L.J., 2000, p. 13)

As Mentors, we will explore our own capacities for establishing genuine trust with others and we will listen with real respect and compassion.

First Year Experience Mentor Program

The FYE Mentoring program has been established to assist new students with a successful transition to college life. The program provides new students with an opportunity to develop a unique relationship with a fellow student - a relationship that will serve to enrich their first year at UW-Parkside.

The FYE Mentor Program is designed to connect new students to mentors who have already experienced the trials, frustrations, questions, concerns and triumphs of the first year of college. We have mentors from across campus that represents the vibrancy in our community. The FYE Mentor Program has partnered with Transfer Admissions, Veterans, Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), LGBTQ Resource Center, Social and Academic Programs.

When Does Mentoring Begin?

The FYE Mentor Program will begin when a student signs up online or in person during orientation. Mentor-Mentee interaction can start as early as the summer before college. Mentors & Mentees can elect to participate in a day long retreat. This free one day retreat will take place directly before Ranger Welcome. This fun day will help establish a comfortable mentor mentee relationship. A kickoff event will take place at Ranger Welcome with a reception hosted by the Mentors to welcome their new students to campus. Additional individual and large group activities will continue throughout the first semester, and will vary depending upon the interests of each person and the relation- ships that are developed. The purpose of all activities is to help new students feel connected to the UW-P community, and to make their first year in college a positive and successful experience.

How Can I Stay Informed?

You will learn about the program through multiple channels.

• Admissions process
• Ranger Orientation, Advising, and Registration (ROAR) or Transfer Transition
• Email communication to your UW-P email and personal email on file with the university

You can contact the First Year Experience Office at any time with questions or if you need assistance: 262-595-2721 or zick@uwp.edu

When you apply, you will be asked to give your contact information: phone number, e-mail address or Facebook username – whatever you feel most comfortable using to interact with your Peer Mentor. Your mentor will be assigned based on your interests, major, personal selection, and information that you provide.