As most students know, college can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but with a mentoring program offered on campus, some vital skills, habits and opportunities can be attained through alumni mentors.
All ETSU students have access to a connection of alumni who are eager to offer new ideas and information to help students steer their life in a positive way after graduation. This will open doors to helpful relationships in the student’s area of study.
Professional etiquette, networking opportunities, encouragement, guidance and inspiration are just a few ways the mentors assist students. Students can schedule both group and one-on-one meetings throughout the semester which can be versatile to the student’s schedule and needs.
Alumni can take visits to the classrooms and residence halls for group sessions. They will also have face-to-face contact, email exchanges, text exchanges and phone contact for individual help.
“We believe this learning partnership will facilitate personal growth and development of ETSU students,” said Lee Ann Davis, director of alumni programs. “If a student is struggling with declaring a major, are questioning what type of profession they want to pursue, are a first generation, underrepresented, or are economically disadvantaged student, an alumni mentor would be willing to share about their experiences and their advice to be successful at ETSU.”
ETSU’s National Alumni Association is always looking for volunteers who are excited to share insight and tips with students. The goal for this is to create lifelong connections and strategies that will not only add to the college experience but enhance life afterward.
“Students are the ones choosing an alumni mentor,” said Davis. “We ask our alumni who are participating in the program to not only include what degree they received and where they are employed, but also to share personal information about themselves, their extracurricular activities while at ETSU, their hobbies, if they struggled to find a major, etc. A student can pick one of our alumni mentors for any connection they may see on the list. Once they pick someone, the [alumnus] will be informed they have been matched with a student.”
The main goal of the ETSU National Alumni Association is to sincerely care about students and assist them in achieving their dreams, goals and reach their full potential, so they will be ready for success after graduation.
“It is our hope through this program, ETSU students will gain new strategies that may not be available from their classroom or academic experience, which will enhance their academic and university life,” said Davis.
If interested, call 423-439-4218 or email alumni@etsu.edu.
