Mentoring

Activities for Mentors

The following are suggestions for activities and information that might be shared with your mentees.

"Ice-Breaker" Questions for Your Initial Meetings:

• Were your expectations of college life on target?
  
• Have your support systems remained there for you?
  
• What challenges did you not anticipate?
  
• What is turning out to be the most pleasant surprise for you?
  
• What has turned out to be the most disappointing thing about college?
  
• How sure are you about your goals now?
  
• Which class are you most enjoying? Why?
  
• Have you met with an Advisor about classes for the next semester?
  
• Have you met other students and made new friends?
  
• How would you rate your experience so far?

Students may need a lot of reassurance. They may feel lost, isolated and unsure often of their ability to continue, regardless of the enthusiasm with which they began their college experience. Please share your own experiences. This may reassure them that what they are going through is not unique to them, and that they can overcome obstacles and challenges!

Consider Sharing the Following Information:

• Where did you do your undergraduate work?
  
• What made you decide to go there?
  
• What was your first semester like?
  
• What would you have done differently?
  
• Who made a difference for you during that first year?
  
• What did you enjoy the most? The least?
  
• Do you think that it is different for students today?
  
• How did you decide on your major?
  
• Who guided you when selecting classes?
  
• What do you most like about GCC?
  

Other Helpful Suggested Activities:

• Take a walking tour around campus
  
• Introduce the student to an Advisor in the Enrollment Center
  
• Show the student important landmarks on campus, such as the bookstore, library, high tech centers, enrollment center, student union and cafeteria
  
• Familiarize the student with the General Catalog and Student Handbook
  
• Help them understand how to read the Class Schedules online and in the printed format
  
• Explain Priority Registration and its time-saving benefits: Once a student is enrolled at GCC, they qualify for early registration for the upcoming term. Appointments are made at the Enrollment Center for the date and time they will register.