Husky Connect Peer Mentorship Program | Center for Diversity and Inclusion

Build Community. Find your pack.

Connect with a Michigan Tech Mentor.

We know the transition from high school to college can be intimidating, from being away from home and living in the residence hall to choosing a major and making new friends. The Husky Connect Peer Mentorship Program is here to help ease some of the stress by matching you with a current MTU student to ensure you feel welcomed and valued as well as to guide and support you as you adjust to life at Tech.

Husky Connect

The Husky Connect Peer Mentorship Program provides academic, social, and professional support to incoming first year students as they transition to Michigan Technological University and the surrounding community. Students are paired with a current MTU student mentor who is there to answer any and all questions about life at Tech as well as share their personal experiences to help students adjust to campus. Students are also enrolled in a one-credit course with other Husky Connect participants that will not only increase their academic success but also their confidence, sense of belonging, and engagement with the university. Students will be awarded a $500 Academic Incentive* applied towards their Spring financial aid package upon successful completion of the program and course.

*The addition of this academic incentive may result in adjustments to previously awarded financial aid.

Husky Connect Goals

Assist students in their effort to build codependent relationships between other students, the university, and the community.
Use positive psychology as a means to enhance students' experiences.
Help students anticipate potential setbacks, organize possible solutions, and feel a sense of belonging.
Connect students to campus resources, events, services, and programs.
Support University retention efforts.

Eligibility Requirements

Incoming first-year student
Pell Eligible

and/or

First generation college student (neither parent/guardian graduated from a 4-year institution).

The benefits of talking to someone who's "been there, done that" and can offer friendly guidance? Huge. For your grades, your social life, your stress level—and your self-esteem.

Fall 2024 Mentee Applications are Now Closed

FAQs

Does it cost anything to be a part of Husky Connect?

Joining the Husky Connect Peer Mentoring Program is Free! In fact, you'll get a $500 Academic Incentive* applied to your financial aid package upon successful completion of the program and course.

*The addition of this academic incentive may result in adjustments to previously awarded financial aid.

How are mentees and mentors matched?

When you apply to the Husky Connect Peer Mentorship Program, you will fill out a Mentor Matching Form (this form will not be used to determine acceptance into the program). We will do our best to match you with someone in similar programs and interests as well as a similar identity (student of color, LGBTQIA+, women, etc.) should you like.

What do Connect Mentees do?

As a Husky Connect Mentee you will communicate regularly with your Connect Mentor, both in person and virtually (text/email/chat) to gain a first-hand introduction to Michigan Tech. If you have questions, need help finding a service, want to know the inside scoop, need some advice, just ask your Mentor! Mentees will work with their Mentor to set goals, get involved, and stay connected to the university and the student body. You will also have the ability to attend fun events planned by the Husky Connect Mentors!

What is Husky Connect Success 101?

The Husky Connect Success 101 course is specifically designed for mentees to aid them in their transition from high school to college. The course will help students learn strategies to increase their academic, personal, and professional success.

Subjects that focus on successful transition from dependent learning to independent learning, effectively identifying academic and co-curricular resources in addition to major and career planning, academic integrity, campus resources, leadership, time management, and diversity will be discussed.

In addition, students in this course will meet career professionals and faculty researchers to explore the possibility of participating in career focused internships and or undergraduate research experiences during their first year. Full participation and engagement are essential for successful completion.

Interested in becoming a Mentor?

We're always looking for current Huskies that are willing to share the value of their experiences with incoming first-year students. Husky Connect Mentors are assigned up to 5 first-year students and begin interacting with them in the summer before fall semester starts.

Fall 2024 Mentor Applications are Now Closed

FAQs

Will I be paid?

Husky Connect Mentors receive compensation for the time they spend with their mentees. The current rate for Fall 2024 is $12.50 per hour. Mentors will work up to 4 hours per week over the course of the Fall semester.

What sort of things do mentors discuss with their mentees?

Connect Mentors meet regularly with their students to talk about anything that comes up, from the scoop on LGBTQIA+ friendly doctors or hairdressers to campus groups they might want to join. You will also work with your students throughout the academic year to help them organize their schedule, set goals, and understand the registration process.

How often do Mentors meet with their Mentees?

Mentors and mentees check-in weekly starting at the end of July/beginning of August and continue through the Fall semester. You will also get together in-person two times per month during the fall semester, including a kick off picnic, monthly events in September, October, and November, and an end of semester banquet.

In the summer, bridge the distance by meeting up virtually, via any electronic platform that works for you.

During the academic year, you meet in person in a location that honors comfort levels, like the Hamar House living room, the library café, or the MUB. There are plenty of public spaces around campus where you can settle in for a chat.

What will I gain in becoming a Husky Connect Mentor?

As a Husky Connect Mentor, you will have the opportunity to give back to your pack and support incoming first-year students as they begin their journey at Michigan Tech. You will also have the opportunity to enhance your leadership and communication skills and gain experience relating to planning and budgeting for events.