The Power of Academic Mentoring

What is Academic Mentoring?

Academic Mentoring is a relationship between mentors and students. The mentor has more experience than the student and can provide support and knowledge to help the student be successful.

Who are CASAS’ Academic Mentors?

Academic Mentors are both faculty and experienced students who have overcome many things that other students struggle with today. Whether it is being new to a school, dealing with stress before upcoming exams, learning how to read and study effectively, or being overwhelmed by the number of commitments, we have experienced and overcome the same challenges. Academic Mentors are equipped with experiences, wisdom, and advice from others who have mentored us, as well as the resources and professional training provided by CASAS (College of Applied Studies &Academic Success). We are prepared and willing to show you how to take the next step in your personal and academic goals, by providing clarity in thought, new perspectives in conversations, and valuable resources to equip you. We walk alongside and encourage you toward success both personally and academically.

Benefits of Academic Mentoring

Academic Mentoring helps students identify specific goals or needs and directs them toward achieving those goals.

Discussing specific goals and challenges with an Academic Mentor will give students the avenue to reflect on where they presently are in their college journey and where they would like to be. College success hinges on setting tailored goals based specifically on the students’ needs. Academic Mentors can help students identify their goals. These goals could be related to time management and organization, coping with procrastination and stress, building positive habits for university life, college reading, study strategies, and test-taking skills. Academic Mentors also provide the resources and support students need to achieve these goals.

Academic Mentoring provides an avenue for self-reflection and problem-solving.

Sharing concerns about school life, the future, identity, and general experiences with individuals who have gone through similar situations and have the knowledge, skills, and ability to help them succeed can help students normalize and validate their feelings and find ways to process them and then effectively problem solve.

Academic Mentoring promotes transparent and fear-free communication.

Mentoring encourages students to communicate freely and openly about their needs, aspirations, and challenges without fear of judgment. Academic Mentors are always willing to listen and empathize with students’ needs and experiences.

Academic Mentoring helps students stay accountable.

Committing to regular face to face meetings aids accountability and gives students the motivation they need to keep pushing forward towards their goals.

Academic Mentoring provides support to students and helps them realize they are not alone.

Having someone trustworthy that students can count on to listen and help them grow, gives students a sense of security and acceptance and allows them to gain the confidence they need to thrive academically and personally in all areas of college life.

Academic Mentoring provides students with resources for success.

The professional resources available to mentees in CASAS cover various areas such as time management, study skills, stress management, etc. Academic Mentoring resources include Bloom’s Taxonomy study skills techniques, stress management exercises, “How To” documents, informational videos, productivity apps, calendar printouts or online calendar resources and much more.

Academic Mentoring suits your unique needs to help you grow.

The mentoring relationship helps students gradually build the confidence they need to face challenges head-on. As the relationship progresses, students will see progress in various aspects of their personal and academic life. The student and Academic Mentor can troubleshoot and strategize in areas where progress is slow to find better ways to meet the need. Therefore, Academic Mentors are always helping the student identify their strengths and challenges, and treating the student holistically, in order to facilitate growth.

Academic Mentoring connects students with other resources around campus.

Academic Mentors connect students to other resources around campus such as the Office of Spiritual Development and Student Counseling Services, Tutoring, Career Center, Professional Advising, Registrar, Office of Residence Life, and Student Accounts.

Misconceptions about Academic Mentoring

Misconception: Successful mentoring only happens one-to-one, on a long-term basis. Requesting Academic Mentoring is a commitment too time-consuming.
Reality: Mentoring occurs in many ways and can be successful even after one mentoring appointment.

Misconception: Academic Mentors are much older and perfect so I cannot relate to them.
Reality: We have both Academic Faculty Mentors and Academic Peer Mentors. Faculty are very relatable and helpful, however, the Academic Peer Mentors are students like yourself and have been in your shoes. All of us continue to grow and can use mentoring no matter where we are at in our journeys.

Misconception: Academic Mentoring is only for high-achieving students.
Reality: All college students need mentors who can bring an outside perspective into their lives.

Misconception: The mentee/student is the only one who benefits from Academic Mentoring.
Reality: Academic Mentoring is a reciprocal relationship where both the mentor and mentee can learn from each other.

Misconception: Academic Mentors feel overwhelmed with the amount of students they have so I shouldn’t reach out to them.
Reality: Academic Mentors are here for you and always have time for your questions, emails, and appointments.

Misconception: Academic Mentors are automatically mentors by their titles.
Reality: Academic Mentors are professionally trained by CASAS. They learn about the issues students struggle with. The Academic Mentors are also patient, respectful, trustworthy, good communicators, as well as great listeners and problem solvers.

The Power of Academic Mentoring

So why should students seek out Academic Mentoring? We thrive with others and should uplift one another. Academic mentoring allows students to invite someone else into their academic life and walk that journey with them, showing them an outside perspective that they would not have otherwise gotten alone. Academic mentoring also helps students build social-emotional skills and empowers them to gain skills and knowledge to take the next steps toward success. Wherever you may be, Academic Mentors are ready to meet you where you are at and help you excel at Liberty University. If you are interested in seeking out an Academic Mentor, visit Academic Mentoring and make an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you!