Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a mentor?
Students wishing to participate as a mentor should download the application, complete the form, and bring it to Tahoe Hall 3110 during office hours or drop it off at the Government Department office. Students should also contact the Program Director, Mary McCune, to schedule an appointment for a 15-20 minute interview.
What qualities do I need to possess to work as a mentor?
Each mentor that is selected for the Odyssey Mentor Program will be unique and have different attributes to offer to the student they are mentoring. In general mentors should be personable and easily approachable. Also, mentors should be involved in academic and social activities at Sacramento State. Mentors should possess a strong desire to want to help others.
What qualifications do I need to work as a mentor?
1. Students should be junior, senior, or graduate status or approval by the program.
2. Students should be in good academic standing.
3. Students should be able to list at least one faculty reference.
4. No previous mentoring experience is necessary, although previous mentoring experience would be looked at favorably.
5. Any previous work experience, academic achievements, social activities, or athletic participation that could be relevant to the mentoring experience will be considered.
How long would I work as a mentor?
Mentors can choose to participate in the Odyssey Mentoring Program for one semester or two semesters.
What is the time commitment?
Mentors will meet with their students once a week or four times a month. They will keep an on-line journal of their weekly meetings, this journal is turned in once a week through Web CT. Mentors will attend one 4 hour training sessions before the beginning of each semester. Mentors will take an assessment at the start of the semester and write a mentoring plan for the semester/year. The assessment and mentoring plan will be due the third week of the semester.
Why should I participate as a mentor?
1. If you participate as a mentor you will receive 1-3 units per semester, depending on how many activities you are interested in participating in. Examples of activities include:
-Participating as a tutor in the Government Department Tutoring Program
-Serving as a Lead Mentor
-Participating in the Odyssey Event Planning Committee
-Enrolling in “Self-Improvement Activities” (upon program approval)
-Mentoring 2 students
-Assisting with faculty research (faculty approval is required)
2. If you participate as a mentor you will have access to many activities that will be planned specifically for the Odyssey Mentoring Program. Activities will include academic workshops, receptions, and group activities.
3. The Odyssey Mentoring Program works closely with the faculty members of the Government Department as well as members of the Government Alumni Chapter. The integrated program allows the mentors, and the students they are mentoring, many opportunities to get to know the faculty and alumni, sharing contacts and creating solid relationships.
4. Participating as a mentor allows students to give back some of the knowledge that they have accumulated over the years here at Sacramento State. Mentoring a new student can actually enhance the academic and social experiences of the more advanced student.
How do I get a mentor?
If you would like to be matched with a mentor you should download and fill out one of the contact information sheets (Mentor Request) and bring it by Tahoe Hall 3110 during office hours or drop the form at the Government Department office. You should also contact the Program Director, Mary McCune, to set up an appointment for a brief 10 minute interview.
What if I don't like my mentor?/What if I don't like the student I am mentoring?
Mentors and students will be matched according to their interests, their time commitments and any specific requests. The Program Director will be responsible for mentor-student matching, any problems or requests should be taken up with the director.
What if I am a student currently being mentored and would now like to work as a mentor?
Students who wish to transition from being mentored to working as a mentor should fill out the mentor application and schedule an appointment for an interview with the Program Director. Students must be of Junior, Senior or Graduate student status.