Seton College Mentorship Program
Make a difference in the life of a Seton College student. Become a mentor!
Share your learned experience. Your support empowers students to dream big, achieve more, and feel valued during a critical time. Our program equips them to earn an associate degree or transition to a four-year institution.
We’re in this together.
Our mentoring program provides everything you need to make a meaningful impact, guiding a Seton College student on their journey to success in education and beyond.
Foster connection, fuel opportunity.
By volunteering your time, you’ll be providing more than just academic or career advice, you’ll become a trusted adult they can rely on.
What qualifications do I need?
We’re looking for individuals connected to UMSV and with a passion to guide and serve others.
Will you join us?
Through the iMentor platform, you will help students achieve their goals in college and beyond. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community of support and success.
FAQs for Mentors
What is the Seton College Mentorship Program?
The purpose of the Mentorship Program is to connect students with dedicated one-on-one mentors who serve as guides, advocates, and partners throughout their academic journey. When Seton College opened in Fall 2024, it was quickly discovered that most of the students who attend Seton College are first-generation college students. Students who are first-generation often face unique challenges, including not having a trusted, informal source of information. Our vision is for every student to benefit from a trusted mentor who can help them navigate the college experience, provide encouragement and accountability, and expand their social and professional networks. Through these meaningful relationships, students will develop the confidence, skills, and connections needed to become career-ready professionals and achieve their long-term goals.
What is the time commitment for mentors?
We ask that mentors commit to engaging with their mentee for at least one hour each week. Meetings may take place virtually or in person, depending on the preferences and availability of each mentor-mentee pair. While this is the minimum expectation, we encourage pairs to connect more frequently, as stronger and more consistent engagement often leads to a greater impact on the mentee’s personal, academic, and professional growth.
In addition, mentors will be invited to participate in a mentor support community designed to foster connection, collaboration, and shared learning among mentors. These virtual monthly gatherings provide an opportunity to build relationships, exchange experiences and best practices, discuss challenges, and receive ongoing support throughout the mentorship journey.
What does a typical mentor-mentee interaction look like?
Once matched with your mentee, you will receive a list of suggested professional development activities, such as resume building, informational interviewing, and career exploration, to help guide your conversations. While these activities provide a helpful starting point, we encourage mentors to adapt their approach based on their mentee’s unique needs and goals. Whether supporting a student with time management, academic planning, career decisions, networking, or simply serving as a trusted source of encouragement, the most impactful mentorships are those that are flexible, authentic, and responsive to the individual student.
Do I need prior mentoring or teaching experience?
You do not need any mentoring experience! Seton College staff will help you create a relationship with your mentee. Your advice and experience are what are so valuable to the mentee.
What kind of students will I be working with?
Seton College students are ambitious, resilient, and committed to creating brighter futures for themselves and their families. Most come from the Bronx, Yonkers, and Upper Manhattan and commute to campus each day. To be eligible for Seton College, students must demonstrate financial need, yet they remain determined to pursue a college education and achieve their goals. A mentor can play a transformative role in helping students develop essential skills such as professional communication, time management, study strategies, and career readiness. Students are selected for the program through an interview process that evaluates their readiness for mentorship and their willingness to learn, grow, and engage with guidance and support.
Will I receive information about my mentee beforehand?
Seton College hosts an official Match Day, a virtual event where mentors and mentees meet for the first time. During the event, Seton staff facilitate introductions and provide conversation prompts and activities designed to help pairs begin building a meaningful connection. To protect student privacy and encourage authentic relationship-building, we do not share personal information about mentees beyond what is necessary for the match. Instead, we encourage mentors and mentees to get to know one another through conversation, shared interests, and ongoing engagement. Our team will also provide resources and guidance to support productive and comfortable discussions as the relationship develops.
What does a typical academic schedule look like for a Seton College student?
Seton College students are enrolled full-time and attend classes during the academic year, which runs from late August through mid-May. Most students have classes Monday through Thursday, typically between 8 AM and 4 PM, with varying schedules throughout the day. In addition to their coursework, many students balance family responsibilities, part-time employment, and extracurricular commitments. As a commuter college, students often travel significant distances from the Bronx, Yonkers, Upper Manhattan, and surrounding communities, making effective time management and flexibility especially important to their success.
How are mentors and mentees matched?
Before being matched, both mentors and mentees complete an interest form that helps us understand their backgrounds, interests, career aspirations, and engagement preferences. Using this information, Seton College staff thoughtfully pair mentors and mentees based on potential compatibility and shared goals. After the initial meeting, pairs have an opportunity to assess the fit of the relationship. If the match feels mutually beneficial, the partnership will continue; however, if either party has concerns, we will work to identify a more suitable match to ensure a positive and impactful mentoring experience.
What support will I receive from Seton College?
The staff at Seton College is dedicated to supporting all mentorship pairs. We have a robust orientation process for both the mentors and mentees. We will provide discussion topics, if needed, and support mentors through the mentorship journey.
Can I participate if I have a busy or unpredictable schedule?
You can absolutely participate if you have a busy schedule. There is no set time to meet with your mentee. There will be a monthly virtual check-in meeting with the rest of the mentors, but we will give you a schedule for these meetings. There is also the expectation to meet with your mentee at least once a month, either virtually or in-person, but you can schedule that when you’re available.
What impact can I expect to have as a mentor?
The Seton College Mentorship Program is geared toward helping first-generation college students get the support they need to be successful with their college experience and beyond. Mentors may be the first person in the mentee’s personal circle that has experience in college. The impact of a mentor’s support varies from mentee to mentee. This kind of relationship gives students someone they can turn to when they are making decisions, facing challenges, or navigating unfamiliar situations.
What do mentors gain from participating in the program?
Mentors join a community of professionals who value helping students as much as they do. Through the mentoring experience, they have the opportunity to reflect on their own personal and professional journeys, strengthen their coaching and communication skills, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of first-generation college students. Most importantly, mentors gain the rewarding experience of helping guide a student through a pivotal stage of their academic and career development.
Are there opportunities to engage beyond one-on-one mentoring (e.g., panels, workshops)?
Yes! Due to the limited number of students who can be matched with a mentor each year, we offer additional opportunities for professionals to engage with our students. Throughout the academic year, mentors are invited to participate in career and professional development programs, including panel discussions, workshops, networking events, and guest speaking engagements. These opportunities allow mentors to share their expertise and experiences with a broader group of students while continuing to support their growth and success.
How long does the mentorship last?
The program is built to support the students throughout their enrollment at Seton College. The pairs will be assigned the Fall of their freshman year. There will be an opportunity to change pairs the following Summer, as interests evolve; however, it is the intention that the pair will last until the students’ graduation from Seton College.
What happens if my mentee and I have trouble connecting?
Not all mentor-mentee relationships develop an immediate connection, and that is completely normal. To help build rapport, we provide suggested activities and professional development goals that encourage meaningful conversations and shared experiences. In addition, mentors and mentees will have opportunities to connect through community service projects, social events, and other program activities designed to foster relationship-building in a relaxed setting. If challenges arise, the mentorship coordinator will work closely with both individuals to provide support and strengthen the relationship. Should a match ultimately prove to be a poor fit despite these efforts, we will thoughtfully reassign the mentor or mentee to help ensure a positive and impactful experience for everyone involved.
Is participation in person, virtual, or both?
Our program is designed to support pairs in the engagement experience that works for them. There will be in-person experiences; however, the method of participation is determined by the pairs.
How do I get started or apply?
We’re excited to have you join us! Fill out this easy form, and Liz Trudo, the mentorship coordinator, will reach out to you with the next steps.
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