Frequently Asked Questions
Mentor FAQ’s
Do mentors get paid?
No, mentors are not paid; however the program coordinates events on-campus and off-campus which are free to mentors who complete an application and are eligible. However, mentors do receive a stipend at the end of the semester based upon the number of mentees they support and their level of participation.
What is the age requirement to become a mentor?
There are no minimum or maximum age requirements to be a mentor. Any part-time or full-time Ferris student can apply to become a mentor.
What are the criteria for being a mentor?
Mentors are required to have a 2.50 cumulative grade point average and be at least a sophomore student.
How often should mentors meet with their mentees?
We ask mentors to make contact with their mentee(s) at lease once or twice a week. The contact can consist of one-on-one contact, phone, or email.
Can mentors date their mentees?
In order to provide an objective and quality mentor experience, we do not encourage mentors and mentees date during this experience.
Mentee FAQ’s
Is the program free?
Yes, the program is free to qualifying participants who complete an application.
Is this program required for all incoming freshmen?
Peer Mentoring is NOT required for all incoming freshmen. There are students required to participate based upon their admission criteria. Otherwise, the program is voluntary to most Ferris students.
Can anyone join the program?
Any first or second semester Ferris student or first semester transfer student is eligible to have a peer mentor.
Is it possible to get dismissed from the program?
Yes. One program goal is to provide support to students who genuinely have an interest in becoming a successful student. If mentors or mentees engage in activities that may misrepresent Ferris State University or the SCHOLAR Program, the student will be dismissed from the program.
When is the best time for me to sign up for the program?
The program staff will notify first-semester students of the peer mentor opportunity either during summer orientation or prior to the beginning of each semester.
How will I benefit from participating in the program?
Mentee participants benefit a great deal by having a peer mentor. They will be matched with an upper class student who can show them the Ferris campus, someone who provides suggestions about campus resources i.e. tutoring, counseling, athletics, campus events, etc. and someone who will give them advice about college.
General FAQ’s
How much time is involved in the program?
The amount of time you spend with your mentor or mentee will vary depending on your schedules. The staff encourages some type of interaction (i.e. phone, email, one-on-one visit) at least once a week.
What are some activities sponsored by the Mentor Program?
The Peer Mentor Program offers a wide variety of cultural, academic, and social events throughout the semester. Some past events have included, horse back riding, ropes course, team building exercises, trips to cultural events, bowling, and more. Some additional local activities the program may sponsor are movie tickets, campus workshops, certificates to local restaurants to name a few.
How can I stay updated on program events?
The Mentor Program implemented a WebCT tool Fall 2003 which allows participants to stay updated on our events at their finger tips. Students can log into WebCT from home, their apartment, at the library, etc. to get up-to-date reminders, check the calendar for the week and manage their calendar, send emails to participants in the program, chat, look up the names of their mentor or mentee, and much more.
How do you match the mentor and mentee?
The program uses a combination of factors when matching the peer mentor with a mentee. We review similar program/curriculum, then we review students with similar co-curricular and extra-curricular interests. However, the opportunity for growth and learning can come from all types of people who may not share the exact career paths or personal interests.
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