LGBT Student Services (LBGTSS) recognizes the importance of community building, and this program gives LMU students the chance to have a deeper sense of belonging, connection to campus, and the LMU community as a whole. Our wish is that the mentorship program will create lasting friendships and joy for those in the program.
LGBTSS is proud to offer a peer mentorship program aimed to create a better experience for students at LMU. Students in the mentorship program would get the choice in connecting with a peer about identities, life at LMU, and adulthood. Through this program, participants will be able to engage with LMU’s broad LGBTQ+ community. We hope that mentors and mentees take time to build solid friendships and meet the goals that the mentee hopes to achieve. Have more questions? Reach out to the LGBTSS office.
Expectations for Mentors
As a mentor, you should expect to serve as a trusted support system and positive role model for your mentee as they navigate life. You'll provide:
- Guidance based on your own experiences;
- Help your mentee feel seen and affirmed;
- Advice in areas such as identity, campus life at LMU, relationships, and personal development.
Within your one-on-one meetings, your role is to listen, support, and empower your mentee to thrive.
Expectations for Mentees
As a mentee, you should expect to regularly connect with a mentor who can help you grow and thrive as a young adult at LMU. Topics of discussion include:
- Identity;
- Life at LMU;
- Adulthood;
- Navigating relationships;
- Or just everyday life stressors.
You should also expect to gain a closer connection to peers on campus, which can contribute to your feeling more connected to the LMU community. Mentors offer friendship and advice to help you feel confident in the selected area of focus. You will be able to have at least one one-on-one meeting with your mentor a month, as well as the opportunity for text or call communication.
FAQs about the Peer Mentorship Program
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- Dedicate time each month to the program and your mentor/mentee — the average commitment is three-five hours per month.
- Be available to participate in the program for two academic semesters.
- Hold at least one one-on-one check-in between mentor and mentee each month during those two semesters.
- Attend events with your mentor/mentee. LGBTSS will host events specifically for program participants.
- Complete administrative tasks associated with the role, such as submitting progress reports, communicating, and following up.
- View the full requirements for the role of a mentor. There are no requirements to be a mentee.
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A good mentor should be approachable, empathetic, a good listener, attentive, and respectful. They should know their own boundaries as well as their mentees to ensure a courteous relationship is maintained. Mentors should also serve as a friend to their mentee and not make the relationship strictly business oriented. Mentors should do their best to support their mentees and help them succeed in their goals. A good mentor also knows when to reach out the director of LGBTSS if more support is needed. We also encourage mentees that participate in the program to become mentors in the future.
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Mentors are paired with mentees through our application process: both mentors and mentees state background information about themselves, such as their strengths, interests, etc., through short answer questions. Pairings will be made with careful consideration of what areas of mentorship the mentors feel comfortable providing and which areas the mentees are most searching for in this program.
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Any student who has attended LMU for at least one (1) semester can apply to be a mentor. LMU faculty and staff may also participate in the mentorship program.
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All LMU students are welcome to participate in the LGBTSS mentorship program.
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Mentors are expected to keep any information shared in one-on-one sessions with mentees private–each mentor and mentee are required to understand and sign a privacy agreement, showing proof of agreement and willingness to maintain this expectation of confidentiality. There are exceptions to maintaining privacy, such as if something is shared that indicates that a mentee is showing concerning or harmful behaviors. If this occurs, mentors are expected to consult with the director of LGBT Student Services to get help with the situation as soon as possible.