Context:

Having a strong second semester, will set your mentee up to have a strong finish to the academic year. Having a plan in place with achievable goals and the materials needed for each of their classes will help your mentee stay on track. As your mentee takes more rigorous classes, they may benefit from additional academic support.  Being connected to a community, identity or interest based, can help cement your mentees sense of belonging within their college environment. Feeling supported and connected will help your mentee to thrive.

Ensuring that your mentee has the tools and resources needed to participate in their classes is key. A great way to start is to review your mentee's syllabi and have them talk through the expectations of each course as well as what specific books, online resources and other materials are required. Together you can make a plan for your mentee to gather all of the materials needed. Reminding your mentee that discounted pre-owned books are a great option, they may also be able to rent books, borrow them from the library or they may be available digitally.  Encourage your mentee to apply for Emergency Funds if they need financial support in making this purchases. Some institutions offer book scholarships, which is something your mentee may want to research.   

Empowering your mentee to access campus resources  is invaluable. There are myriad resources available to support your mentee's academic and personal journey, however they may not know where to find them. Normalize asking for help. This is a lifelong skill that will benefit your mentee in their personal and professional life.

Prompts for Communication:

Getting back into the swing of things after winter break can be tough. When you connect with your mentee, ask them about their break and share about yours.  Do a quick personal check-in before diving into planning and task management.  Personal goal setting offers a segue into your mentee's  courseload and how they are engaging with the college community. Encourage your mentee to take advantage of campus resources as needed.

 Here are some questions to get help you support your mentee:

1. What changes  have been made to your program when it comes to virtual learning?
2.  Do you know how to access all of your online acounts? ( College Email, Student Portal, Blackboard, etc.)? 
3. Do you have all the technology needed to participate in remote learning? (i.e. phone, computer,  Wi-Fi etc.)
4. How are you feeling about your courseload this semester?
5. Which class are you most excited about? Why?
6. Which class do you think will be the most challenging? Why
7. What resources are available to you on campus/through your college community if you need additional academic support? 8. 
8. Have you secured resources to help pay for books, transportation, food, etc? 
9. Do you need to explore scholarships and other forms of financial assistance (including iMentor Emergency Fund) 
10. Have you visited student support services offices on campus (tutoring, writing center, etc.)?
11. What clubs and activities that you joined last semester do you plan on doing again?
12. What new activities and clubs do you want to explore this semester?
13. How is your relationship with your academic advisor? When will you meet with them next?

Resources:

• Attending office hours
• Visiting academic support services