Mentor Collective is a peer-to-peer mentorship program for students at Saddleback College!
Students are paired with peer mentors to help them adjust to life at Saddleback College. Mentors support their mentees as they navigate the challenges of starting college. Mentoring pairs connect by text, phone, email, in-person or virtually.
Saddleback College began the Mentor Collective program in 2021. We have found that students who are paired with a mentor in the program have a greater persistence from semester to semester and year to year than those who do not participate in the program.
How It Works
Students will be matched with a peer mentor based on common interests, background, academics, and professional aspirations. To get started, students and mentors register and complete an online survey to put together a picture of interests and experiences.
Why be a Mentor?
- Develop transferrable and marketable skills
- Increase awareness and personal growth
- Improve communication and interpersonal skills
- Add to your resume and LinkedIn profile
- Make a difference in the lives of students!
What can a Peer Mentor Provide?
- Knowledge of campus resources
- Understanding and reassurance
- Being a sounding board for advice
- Social and academic connections
- Goals setting and time management
How to get involved today - Program Requirements
Mentor
- Completed 15 units or more
- 2.0 GPA or higher
- Currently enrolled at Saddleback College
- Not on probation
- Not currently enrolled in high school
Mentee
- Completed 15 units or less
- Currently enrolled at Saddleback College
- No student discipline record
What do Mentors and Mentees Discuss?
- How do I balance the demands of school, responsibilities, and socializing?
- How can I set myself up for academic, social, and career success?
- How do I make connections with peers and professional contacts?
- How do you suggest balancing academic responsibilities with attending events?
- Which cultural or social events are a must-attend on campus?
- How will my major impact my professional options?
What Students Are Saying
Mentee Experience
I struggled with dealing with new-found stresses from a new school and new location. My mentor has definitely helped me.
My mentor gave me advice and supported me when I was feeling overwhelmed for being behind. She told me that the professors are nice and willing to help which is giving me some courage to email them.
I ask my mentor advice and she helped me figure out how to make my day to day list and planner.
Mentor Experience
I am grateful to be a student at a school that cares about their students.
I am proud of my school and I am proud that they chose to include Mentor Collective as an option to students. I am continually reminded of what a good school Saddleback is.
I feel I am providing support to students that need guidance.
Get Started Today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Technically, one academic year, however we encourage you to remain in contact beyond this if you develop a strong relationship with your mentee.
The majority of mentors in the program are volunteer. We do have some Federal Work Study positions available as Lead Peer Mentors for students who qualify for FWS. If you are interested, please fill out the FWS Lead Peer Mentor Interest Form.
You tell us how much time you have to meet with your mentees: once per month, twice per month, once per week, etc. You can also choose the number of students you support! We want to make sure you have the agency to determine your involvement while still allowing you to develop the leadership skills necessary for your growth.
You will have an onboarding training with Mentor Collective when you sign up. Student Development will have additional optional trainings during the semester that you can attend. We will also send out newsletters and other resources with tips and tricks throughout the year to ensure you are supported. You can also reach out to a Success Coach or Lead Peer mentor at any point.
Aside from developing leadership skills, you’ll receive a LinkedIn trained mentor certification that you can also add to your resume. You'll be a part of a community of mentors in programs across the country, have access to Mentor Office Hours where you can ask questions and share ideas with other mentors, and you’ll have the opportunity to attend exclusive mentorship events.
You can still mentor for the full academic year, even if you are graduating! If you do want to stop your mentorships upon graduation, reach out to help@mentorcollective.org and let us know.
Either submit an insight flag as part of your conversation report (the school will follow up) or email help@mentorcollective.org. The main office, one of the Lead Peer Mentors in Student Development, or one of the Saddleback College Success Coaches can help you out. You are supported during your mentorship journey!
Questions?
Contact Chris Hargraves, Director of Student Life, at scstudentdevelopment@saddleback.edu or via phone at (949) 582-4616.