Students and staff from Shades
Shades Multicultural Mentoring Program Peer mentoring by and for students The Shades Multicultural Mentoring Program is an interdisciplinary peer mentoring program housed in the Graduate College that provides undergraduate and graduate students a network of support and information exchange as they navigate their studies and pursue their educational goals. Available to all students and with a focus on those who are underrepresented, the program currently has approximately 150 mentees and 120 mentors, of which 40.1% are Hispanic American, 18.3% are African American, 17.8% are White American, 10.7% are Asian American, and 6.1% are Native American. Once matched, mentors and mentees connect with each other at least twice a month either in-person, by e-mail, or phone. Shades participants also have opportunities to attend program events and activities such as an annual welcome gathering, hiking, semester-end study sessions, and a holiday celebration. Participants remain in the program for as long as they wish. Shades coordinator Linda Manning has observed that the program provides benefits to mentors and mentees alike.
“Many first year students find it helpful to have a peer mentor to answer questions on getting acclimated to college or graduate school, provide study tips, offer suggestions for on-campus and off-campus activities, accompany them to said activities or programs, or even just to vent when things become overwhelming,” Manning says. “Many mentors enjoy the feeling of ‘giving back’, meeting new people, and providing advice and feedback based on their experiences.” ■
Once matched, mentors and mentees connect with each other at least twice a month
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