Mentors

SAW mentors operate in the context of a specific course. They actively work to enhance the classroom experience by offering individual and group guidance to students. They often are students who have previously taken the course and/or are majors in the department through which the course is offered. 

All mentors are well-prepared to work with students on speaking and writing projects. Their specific responsibilities depend largely on the needs and plans of the course instructor. They attend courses regularly, may contribute during in-class writing or speaking exercises, and are available for individual and/or group sessions outside of class.

Mentor Education
All SAW Mentors complete a semester-long, credit-bearing course in the theory and practice of peer mentoring for writing and public speaking. Once in the Program, they continue their education through participation in regular organized discussion groups and faculty-led pedagogy workshops. Mentors focus their energy on exploring opportunities for learning unique to the student peer relationship.

To assist faculty, SAW mentors can:

• serve as a liaison between the SAW Program and faculty.
• assist students with their written and oral communication assignments.
• work with individuals and small groups.
• facilitate classroom and online discussions.
• confer with faculty on syllabus and class assignments.
• demonstrate methods and concepts (e.g., science labs, dance performances).
• locate and provide additional resources pertaining to speaking, arguing, and writing.

Information Session for Faculty Interested in Working with a SAW Mentor
Thursday, March 27, 12:15 pm
Porter Hall Lounge
Please RSVP to SAW Coordinator, lgreenfi@mtholyoke.edu

Get Started

• Attend Faculty Information Session
• Request a mentor...
• Download the Faculty/Mentor Expectations Worksheet (pdf)
• Nominate a student to become a mentor or assistant
• Make the most of yout mentor (pdf)