Students-Athletes' success in college is based in part on the positive experiences they have and their sense of belonging. The intention of the Mentor Program is to address the needs of the whole student and create an on-going support system and sense of commitment to our minority students-athletes. The Mentor Program will match faculty with student-athletes who desire to experience a smoother transition into the Washington State University environment.

Mentor

Mentor selection and mentee matching, as well on-going decision-making will include open dialogue among all constituents with final approval from Milford Hodge. (Coordinator of the Mentor Program) Selected faculty, staff, and professional community members will be asked to participate in the Mentor Program. They will then complete a Mentor Application and Mentor Agreement Form in order to participate. Once matched up with a mentee, they will then receive a Student-Athlete Profile, which provides the mentor with the mentee's personal information.

During the mentorship, the mentor will be responsible for completing certain forms which track the process of the program. These include:

1. Mentee Assessment Form (assesses the academic progress of your mentee)
2. Mentor Evaluation Questionnaire (assess the progress of your mentorship)
3. Incident Report Form (this form is to be completed only if you have knowledge of any incident or behavior that is not in accordance with policies and procedures)

Mentee

Incoming Student-athletes and at-risk student-athletes will be targeted when they first arrive at Washington State University. Communication with coaches will allow identification of specific athletes needing special attention. Freshman student athletes need to be heavily targeted, as it is a crucial time for them to learn the importance of succeeding in all areas of the program. Interaction will be developed with faculty and staff and professional community members.

Minority student-athletes who volunteer to participate will completing a Mentee Application and Agreement Form and submit it to the Mentor Coordinator, or coaches could refer them by completing a Mentor Program Referral Form. The Mentor Program will then match student-athletes with a selected faculty mentor based on similar hobbies, social background, desired major/academic field, and/or special requests. The mentor and mentee together will then complete a Mentee and Mentor Agreement Form setting the guidelines of their mentor relationship.

There will be an initial meeting between the mentor and the mentee to review guidelines and schedules. They will also then complete the necessary agreement forms regarding what they expect of each other. Upon completion of the mentorship, the mentee will be required to complete a Mentee Feedback Form describing his/her experience in the program.