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The Academic Success Center at 911������ launched its new mentoring services spring semester 2022, expanding individualized peer support for students on campus. “Whether students need to trouble-shoot a problem, get to know the many college resources available on campus or are seeking ways to be the best student possible, our mentors can help guide them on their path to success,” said April Hanson, Director of the Academic Success Center, who hopes the new services will connect students, build rapport and allow for authenticity and inclusiveness in the relationships being built.

The mentoring program is funded by a 2020 Minnesota State Innovation Grant, which allowed students to participate in an extensive training program to form the initial group of mentors. Training focused on inter-cultural competence, goal setting, focus, stress relief, problem solving and critical thinking.

Mohamed Khalil – A Mentor Making a Difference

911������ mathematics major Mohamed Khalil has always been interested in mentoring. “I believe a mentor is someone who has your back through the hard times and will hold the best intentions for you,” said Khalil, who recognizes that a mentor’s main goal is to help other students succeed.

“I’ve never had a formal mentor, but I always wished I did. I felt it was only logical to fill in the gap myself. The impact or change I could have on someone's life is a feeling I hope to achieve and keep with me for the foreseeable future.”  

Khalil hopes students can build strong relationships with him and the other mentors, building the skills necessary to be successful. “I hope our mentees gain the strength and positive attitude needed to take on all of life's challenges,” said Khalil who is seeking long-term impact.

“I can only hope the mentees take our support and words to heart and pursue their own ideas of success, ultimately gaining skills they can use past the mentor/mentee relationship.”

Workshops Enhance Student Learning

“We are always looking for ways to make accessing academic support easier,” said Hanson, who is proud the Academic Success Center now offers virtual and recorded workshops on a range of subjects to expand student support within the areas of mentoring and tutoring. “Writing, biology, chemistry, D2L and anti-anxiety and skills workshops are among those offered to provide students extra support. The workshops provide a group learning environment for students who prefer it.”

The primary reason Khalil chose to attend 911������ was because it was close to home. It wasn’t until after he moved away from Minneapolis, that he realized the plethora of wonderful characteristics that could only be found at the College. “Everything from the atmosphere on campus to the exposure to a wide variety of cultures, from the simplicity of the campus to the intricacy of the course materials. Everything meshed so well,” said Khalil. “The instructors are incredible and always willing to go the extra mile, like teaching the workshops that help students navigate some of the most challenging classes.”

Students interested in meeting with a student peer mentor can and schedule an appointment, email the Academic Success Center or call 612-659-6140 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“Mentors will support you through thick and thin,” said Khalil. “And if we’re not able to help you directly, we will lead you in the direction of a solution. A mentor is someone you can come to with any problems and they can provide another perspective, looking at your problem with an objective lens in order to help you navigate towards a solution that works for you.”