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General

• Am I eligible to participate in these mentoring programs?
  Yes, both mentoring initiatives are open to all students. For Connections, specific emphasis is placed on recruiting first-year, second year and transfer students to support their transition to college, but all student classifications are accepted. For CASS, specific emphasis is placed on recruiting Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate students.
• Are these peer mentoring programs?
  No, neither CASS nor Connections are peer mentoring programs. Only community leaders or ÀÏ°ÄÃÅ×ÊÁÏ faculty/staff serve as mentors.
• When can I join?
  CASS and Connections have open enrollment during fall and spring semesters. Prospective participants are encouraged to apply by semester enrollment deadlines on the programs’ pages to maximize program benefits.
• Can students join both mentoring programs?
  Yes, students need mentors for various reasons! Our students benefit from having both CASS and Connections mentors.
• How long are the programs’ commitments?
  Mentors and mentees must commit to CASS and/or Connections for at least one academic year.
• Should I address mentoring relationship concerns with mentoring program staff?
  Yes, the program staff is available to address any concerns you may have with your mentoring relationship during your program participation. We strive to ensure that the student mentee’s needs are met and connectivity between the mentoring pairs is a major component.
• May I change my mentor?
  Yes, mentees may change their mentor if needs or schedules change. The conversation must begin with the mentoring programs’ staff.

Community Alliance for Student Success (CASS)

• When do I meet my CASS Mentor/Leader?
  After the program orientation, students can expect to meet their CASS leaders at their first team meeting.
• May I meet with my Mentor/Leader outside of team meetings?
  Yes, individual meetings between CASS mentors and mentees are encouraged. Program Staff can assist with scheduling one-on-one meetings.

Connections Student Mentoring Program

• How often are mentoring pairs supposed to meet?
  Each pair is required to meet at least once a month, but each mentoring relationship is different. If you choose to meet multiple times a month, that is completely up to you.
• If my mentor/mentee invites me to breakfast/lunch/dinner/coffee, who pays?
  Generally, if your mentor/mentee invites you to breakfast/lunch/dinner/coffee, they incur the costs. You are encouraged to have a conversation with your mentor/mentee before the outing to avoid confusion.
• Am I obligated to accept an invitation from my mentor/mentee if they invite me to an off-campus engagement?
  No, you are not obligated to accept any on or off-campus engagement invitations you are uncomfortable attending. At the beginning of your mentoring relationship, the program staff suggests conducting in-person interactions on-campus until both individuals are comfortable attending off-campus engagements together.