STARS Peer Mentoring Mission Statement

The mission of STARS Peer Mentoring Program is to promote the improvement of academic success, retention, and to increase the number of students entering graduate school in the sciences through mentoring activities and support programs that encourage academic excellence, self-esteem, and personal growth of participating students.

What is a Mentor?

A mentor is...

• A knowledged and experienced guide who teaches (and learns) through a commitment to the mutual growth of both protégé and mentor.


• A caring, thoughtful, and humane facilitator who provides access to people, places, experiences, and resources outside of the protégé's routine environment.


• A role model who exemplifies in word and deed what it means to be an ethical, responsible, and compassionate human being.


• A trusted ally or advocate who works with (not for) the protégé and on behalf of the protégé's best interest or goals.

The Importance of Mentoring

Mentoring is one of the oldest practices in our society that encourages human growth on a broad and diverse spectrum. Mentoring has been more commonly revered in the workforce as a necessity for upward mobility. Rarely has a healthy relationship between a parent and child been viewed as one of a mentor and protégé. However, the principles taught by parents or guardians are what shape the individual. Reflect for a moment on the following questions. Do not spend time focusing on the external, but on the developments of changes that occurred within you.

1. Who was the catalyts for an experience that allowed you to pierce the core of the meaning of some event, in someone, in something or in yourself?


2. Who shared with you a quotation that has great meaning for you, influenced your thinking or behavior, and promoted you to share it with others?


3. Who helped you uncover an aspect, ability or talent of yours that until it was brought to your attention, had laid dormant?