Program Purpose:
The S.T.A.R.S. Mentor Program is a program designed to assist in the social, personal, and academic acclimation to CSULA by pairing incoming first-year students with outstanding continuing undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty who act as mentors throughout the academic year. More specifically, this program aims to address the needs of students form marginalized identities by providing programs that will aid in their retention and success at Cal State L.A.

Why Mentoring?
The purpose of having a mentoring relationship in college is to assist students with the challenges associated with the first-year college experience. Relationships are built by matching mentors and mentees through interviews and application profiles. In addition to providing support, mentors are also bridge-builders between their first-year mentees and the student service departments across campus. This means that students have a ready resource for questions ranging from how to get involved in student activities to how to add a class or declare a major.

Why Become A Mentee?
Becoming a mentee in college will hopefully create a trusting and helpful relationship, which will assist you with the challenges associated with the first year of college. Mentors take on the responsibility of assisting student’s growth and development by providing academic and personal support. Serving as a mentee in the S.T.A.R.S. program will not only help you establish some positive relationships, but you will also be well networked with the services and resources Cal State L.A. has to offer.

Who Can Become a Mentee?
Any registered Cal State L.A. first-year student and new transfer students.

As A Mentee You Will Learn How To:
1. Navigate the university’s resources by establishing positive relationships with your mentor and the program as a whole.
2. Utilize the Cross Cultural Center’s resources, and use the programs as a way to build a stronger community for yourself, while also working to establish a strong mentor/mentee relationship.
3. Use the S.T.A.R.S. programs and activities to enrich your Cal State L.A. experience.

Mentee Expectations:
1. Commit to the mentor-mentee relationship for the academic year.
2. Ask questions, and communicate your needs to your mentor and the program administrator.
3. Positive attitude
4. Expect to spend time getting to know your mentor.
5. Utilize CCC and U-SU events to establish activities to do together.
For an application, please visit the Cross Cultural Centers located on the 2nd floor of the University-Student Union, room 206.

Program Purpose:
The S.T.A.R.S. Mentor Program is a program designed to assist in the social, personal, and academic acclimation to CSULA by pairing incoming first-year students with outstanding continuing undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty who act as mentors throughout the academic year. More specifically, this program aims to address the needs of students form marginalized identities by providing programs that will aid in their retention and success at Cal State L.A.

Why Mentoring?
1. The purpose of having a mentoring relationship in college is to assist students with the challenges associated with the first-year college experience. Relationships are built by matching mentors and mentees through interviews and application profiles.

2. In addition to providing support, mentors are also bridge-builders between their first-year mentees and the student service departments across campus. This means that students have a ready resource for questions ranging from how to get involved in student activities to how to add a class or declare a major.

Why Become A Mentor?
The purpose of becoming a mentor in college is to create a trusting and helpful relationship, which will assist incoming students with the challenges associated with the first year of college. Mentors take on the responsibility of assisting student’s growth and development by providing academic and personal support. Mentors are also expected to be a role model and assist with setting goals for their mentee, both academically and personally.

Who can Become a Mentor?
Any Cal State L.A. current student, staff, or faculty can serve as mentors. Mentees enter the program with various needs and concerns, and we feel it is beneficial to have mentors from every aspect of the university.

As A Mentor You Will Learn to Provide:
1. Personalized guidance and friendship during the first-year of university life
2. An insight to your experience and knowledge as successful CSULA community members.
3. Information about academic resources, social activities and the social life at CSULA.
4. Introductions and in-depth knowledge about the Cross Cultural Centers services and events.

Mentor Expectations:
1. Connect/relate to them
2. Positive attitude
3. Expect you to spend time
4. Be helpful/resourceful
5. Be more acclimated/knowledgeable
6. Utilize CCC and U-SU events to establish activities to do together.

How Do We Get Matched?
1. It’s never perfect. Be patient with the relationship building process.
2. The program administrator will develop mentor and mentee profiles based on your application content allowing potential mentors and mentees the ability to access them and "rank" those profiles you believe you connect strongly with.
3. It is not gender/race/identity based. Although we can consider those factors if this is important to the mentor or mentee.

Past S.T.A.R.S. Programs and Events:
1. Welcome Back Mixers
2. Mentor and Mentee Training Sessions
3. Academic Success Workshops
4. Job Searching During a Recession
5. Exam Strategies
6. Grad School Prep Workshop
7. Mentor/Mentee Roundtable Discussion
For an application, please visit the Cross Cultural Centers located on the 2nd floor of the University-Student Union, room 206.