The Mentoring, Academics, Scholarship, and Achievement Initiative (MASAI) formerly housed in Diversity Advocacy is being relaunched with the support of staff in University College. MASAI is a mentoring program that is focused on the retention of first-year underrepresented and first-generation students. In particular, the MASAI program this fall will support over 100 first year students from the Noble Street Charter Network. University College and the Noble Street Network have an established partnership which intentionally supports Noble students throughout the year and the addition of MASAI mentors is set to strengthen those efforts.
The MASAI program will partner incoming first-year Noble students with a current student who will serve as their MASAI mentor to facilitate a successful transition into the University community. MASAI mentors will meet weekly with their mentees to connect them with campus resources and assist them with creating an optimal academic and social experience at ISU. Mentors will attend scheduled mandatory monthly meetings and activities for the one semester program.
Applications are now open for MASAI mentors who meet the following requirements:
- Will be at least a sophomore at the start of the fall semester
- In good disciplinary and academic standing (2.5 cumulative GPA)
- Available to attend mandatory training on May 5 and mid-August
- Involved on campus and knowledgeable of campus resources
- Is a good role model and a positive person of good character
Individuals selected for interviews will be invited to sign up for interviews which will be conducted from April 10-April 14. If you have questions about being a MASAI mentor, contact Christa Platt in University College at (309) 438-3714 or cdplatt@ilstu.edu.
