Faculty-to-Student Mentor Program

Utah State University (USU) Statewide Campuses invites all undergraduate students to participate in the Faculty‑to‑Student Mentoring Program.

The goals of this program are to help students:

  1. Successfully adjust to university life.
  2. Feel like they are valued members of the university.
  3. Have a clear sense of purpose.
  4. Achieve their educational goals.
Succeed at USU

@ USU Eastern

@ USU Salt Lake

@ USU Uintah Basin

How the Program Works

A faculty mentor will be personally matched to you to help with whatever challenges you might encounter in your journey toward reaching your academic and career goals.

Faculty can offer students the following benefits:

Program Benefits

Campus Connections

Developing relationships with faculty outside of the classroom setting fosters integration in the university setting by:

  • Developing a genuine, trusting relationship with faculty allows you to feel more and valued to the USU community.
  • Connecting you with your field of study by discussing your interests, academic goals, and potential career paths.
  • Helping you navigate the hidden curriculum—unspoken norms, expectations, and strategies for success.
  • Encourage you to see yourself as a scholar and a capable contributor to the academic community. 

Career Guidance

Faculty can assist you in achieving your career goals by:

  • Examining career options related to your field of study.
  • Helping you reflect on the competencies needed to achieve your goals.
  • Strategizing your quickest route to career success.
  • Helping you network with professionals in your career field.
  • Helping you set realistic career goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

Social Support

Faculty can encourage you in building your support network by:

  • Listening with empathy and offering a safe space to talk through challenges.
  • Connecting you with campus and community wellness resources (counseling, tutoring, health services, etc.)
  • Encouraging a healthy work-life balance and self-care practices.
  • Promoting a sense of belonging by affirming your identity and life experiences.

Academic Focus

Faculty can help you in several ways to prioritize your academic journey, including:

  • Giving practical suggestions for improving your academic performance.
  • Supporting your commitment to learning.
  • Encouraging you to discuss and share your academic problems and brainstorm solutions.
  • Helping you set realistic goals and map out strategies for achieving them.
  • Helping you think critically about your long-term aspirations and goals.

Accountability Coaching

In this context, accountability support refers to the assistance faculty provide to help you stay on track with your academic, professional, and personal goals. This includes:

  • Encouraging follow-through on your commitments and responsibilities.
  • Providing constructive feedback to foster your growth and improvement.
  • Helping you develop time management and organizational skills.
  • Setting expectations and offering motivation to maintain your progress.
  • Assisting in overcoming obstacles that may hinder your success.

We welcome and appreciate you being a part of this voluntary program, which provides you with access to faculty who care about your academic and career success. This program also offers the optional opportunity to participate in a related research study. You can participate in the mentoring program without participating in the research component.

If you are interested in the program and would like more information or to apply, please click the applicable Student Mentee or Faculty Mentor box below.