Peer Mentor and Mentee Program
FAQ
What is the commitment of the peer mentor program?
Mentors are expected to work up to 10 hours a week. Both mentees and mentors commit to both face-to-face meetings and email communication throughout the week. This can be done through meetings, attending campus events, visiting various resource centers on campus or connecting online via social media. Each mentor/mentee relationship will be unique. Remember, what you get out of your mentee/mentor relationship is also what you put into it!
What activities will we be required to attend?
Activities include:
· 2 CAMINO professional development workshops a semester
· 2 CAMINO social gatherings a semester (optional)
· CAMINO-affiliated events such as the Leadership Speaker Series, Family Campus Day, Thesis Talks
· Networking mixers, local or regional conferences, webinars, as well as participating in graduate student association meetings when feasible.
When will the CAMINO meetings take place?
CAMINO meetings will take place once a month (day/time TBD). We will look at all participants’ class schedules to determine day/time. The day/time will be consistent (i.e. 3rd Friday from 7-9pm)
What if we would like to attend other campus activities/community events?
Of course! At our first meeting, we can generate a list of activities/community events that the group would like to do together.
How long in duration is the peer mentor program?
The peer mentor program has a duration of 1 academic year. (Fall and Spring).
May we apply for more than one year?
If you are interested in continuing as a mentor, you will need to reapply the next academic year. Mentees are encouraged to apply as Mentors the following year. This program is currently funded to run until Spring 2019.
What are the days peer mentoring takes place?
Mentoring takes place on weekdays (M-F) (excluding campus holidays) at mutually agreed times convenient to and scheduled by the mentor and the mentees.
Can my mentor and I meet outside of CSUN?
You should meet only on campus or via online mechanisms. There are many CAMINO and CSUN endorsed campus events and activities to choose from.
How are the hours dispersed throughout the week?
Ideally the hours are dispersed throughout the week in a reasonable time period. For example, the mentor may meet with each designated mentee once a week for 5 hours for each mentee or twice a week for 2 ½ hours each time. We understand there may be some exceptional weeks (that are not the norm) that the mentor and mentee may not be able to fulfill the 10-hour goal.
Do I have to be Hispanic/Latino to apply?
Per the Department of Education requirements (CAMINOs funding agency) and California’s Proposition 209, we encourage Hispanic/Latino students to apply, however we accept applicants from all populations.
For Mentors:
What is my role as a mentor?
As a mentor you will be responsible for guiding one or two first year graduate students from your corresponding program, through their first year of graduate school. As a mentor, it is your responsibility to:
· Attend the peer mentor training provided by CAMINO staff
· Keep in touch with your mentee regularly (regularly is defined by outreach minimally 2-3x a week) to ensure your mentee feels supported as a new graduate student.
· Serve as a positive role model and advocate, guiding your mentees through the academic system, including career and workforce preparation.
· Attend 2 professional development workshops a semester, as well as CAMINO-affiliated events.
· Log your mentor/mentee meetings and time in the peer mentor log sheet provided at the training.
· Submit the peer mentor log to the CAMINO grant coordinator, Cathy Kitinoja at the Health Sciences office - JD2500. The log will accompany your timesheet.
· Contact the CAMINO program directors immediately (Dr. Burke at and Dr. Angulo-Barroso at ) should anything of concern occur with your mentees!
Do I have to be a graduate student?
Yes, you are required to be a graduate student to be part of the peer mentor program.
As a peer mentor, will I receive training to prepare me to be a peer mentor?
You sure will! The CAMINO project directors and staff provide you with a two hour orientation and training event to kick off your mentorship and provide you with the resources and foundation you will need to be a successful peer mentor to your mentee. A training date and time will be arranged once applications are reviewed and peer mentors have been notified.
Am I paid for being a mentor?
You sure are! Mentors are paid for their valuable time of up to 10 hours per week at $15 an hour. Mentees are paid a one-time $200 stipend.
How many mentees will be assigned to me?
You will have a maximum of two mentees assigned to you as a mentor. You may only have one depending on applications received and interest.
Do mentees have to be from my own graduate program?
Yes.
If I already work on campus, can I apply to be a mentor?
It depends on the circumstance. Once you complete the supplemental application we will be able to determine if you are eligible to be a mentor.
For Mentees:
What is my responsibility as a mentee?
As a mentee your role is to learn as much as you can from your mentor about CSUN, your graduate program and all of the resources available to you. Your
mentor has kindly agreed to share their time with you to guide you through your first year of graduate school and to engage in career and professional development opportunities. We ask that you:
· Respond to communication from your Peer Mentor and the program staff in a timely manner and stay connected each week!
· Be open and willing to learn
· Be flexible
· Ask questions
· Provide feedback of your mentor and the program!
· Contact the CAMINO program directors immediately (Dr. Burke at and Dr. Angulo-Barroso at ) should anything of concern occur with your mentor!
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