The Knowlton BIPOC Mentoring Program helps to foster a sense of belonging, support, and community for Black, Indigenous, and people of color through mentorship provided by more senior students. Mentors provide important support for social engagement, professional development, and academic support.

Activities may include

• group lunches
• attending and discussing the Baumer Lecture Series
• end-of-the-year celebration
• mentor mixers

All new first-year and transfer Knowlton students are encouraged to participate in the BIPOC mentoring program. New students will be grouped and paired with upperclassmen mentors who have volunteered to mentor new students.

Mentee Expectations

All mentees agree to

• respond to all contacts from mentors (whether via email, text, GroupMe, or other)
• take initiative to reach out to the mentor regularly
• ask questions of the mentor that advance the mentorship relationship and further the aims of the program

Upperclassmen and graduate students at Knowlton are encouraged to volunteer to serve as BIPOC mentors. Mentors will work in groups of two to support a small group of new BIPOC Knowlton students.

Mentor Expectations

As a mentor, you are responsible for helping connect your mentees to the Scholars program and Ohio State. Mentorship is not synonomous with friendship, and mentors may be friends but it the roll that mentors fill is different than what a friend can and should do (and vice versa). Be friendly, but be aware that you are not expected to be the mentees friend. Discussions may include study advice, adjusting to college and classes, referrals to clubs/organizations, activities in Columbus, etc. Likewise, mentors are not tutors or academic advisors, but you may provide general advice on the college experience along with referrals to tutoring, advising and other Ohio State and Knowlton resources where appropriate.

All mentors agree to

• be willing to lead and give directions
• maintain a sense of personal accountability and professionalism (timeliness, responding to email, respectfulness, etc.)
• maintain a high level of academic achievement
• participate in training and evaluation
• be willing to devote several hours a week to the program
• attend BIPOC Mentor events throughout the academic year
• keep regular contact with mentees
• coordinate and work collegially with your co-mentor
• attend training during the week before classes begin

Complete the Knowlton BIPOC Mentoring Program Interest Form