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real world learning
Building a peer mentorship program College is
one of the first major adult steps
hosted activities for the program.
many of us will take in our lives. “Many of our
During the fall semester, Smith’s Graduate
students are moving away from the only place
Assistant,
they have ever lived, finding themselves in a new
implement a beta version of the program.
environment without any friends or family,” said
However, Nava said they were faced with some
College of Business Director of Undergraduate
challenges. “It was difficult getting mentees to
Studies Tara Smith. According to her research,
overcome the negative stigma behind ‘needing
these circumstances commonly lead to struggles
help’ as well as keeping mentors motivated to
like social isolation and unclear expectations for
participate.” Both Smith and Nava agreed that
ICBSC HONORED BY ATHLETICS
new freshmen, resulting in lowering retention
taking steps in building awareness of the program
Last September, the College of Business’s International
rates, graduation rates, grade point averages and
before students start their first semester, and even
Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC) team
increasing incidences of academic probation.
communicating with parents about the program
was recognized by the Idaho State University Athletics
To help new students, Smith devised the plan
may
Program during half-time at the football game against
of adding a peer mentorship program to the
programs have made a huge impact on student
Portland State. This recognition was to celebrate the
College’s initiatives where student mentees will
success at other institutions,” said Smith who
team’s success at the ICBSC earlier in the year where
be paired with student mentors at new student
feels like the test was a great opportunity to
students won first place in two categories. “When
orientation. “I hope the relationship creates a
find out what would encourage students to
we learned of their accomplishment, we wanted to
deeper sense of belonging and eases anxiety
participate. “Other schools have the benefit of
give them a ‘high five,’” said Athletic Director Pauline
of the unknown, knowing they have a fellow
offering scholarships and other incentives to a
Thiros. “We admired their great performance, and we
student to turn to who has been in their shoes,”
select group of mentors, but for us, I think by
wanted to help broadcast their accomplishment.” The
said Smith. Mentors would be encouraged to
building our awareness and adjusting the timing
team was presented with a football helmet signed by
regularly meet with their mentees throughout
of our implementation and promotion- then we
Thiros and Head Football Coach Rob Phenecie.
the semester in addition to attending College-
can make a strong start for the program this fall.”
Photos: Last year’s ICBSC winning team and the signed helmet they were awarded by the Athletics Department.
be
Vanesa
Fontes
beneficial.
Nava,
“Successful
began
to
mentorship
