alumni Mentor sessions

 

The purpose behind being an Alumni Mentor: to give back to current students by sharing stories, building trust and developing a relationship.

The Alumni Engagement Office at Buffalo State has partnered with Compeer to provide the best program for our alumni mentors and students. Our program of alumni mentors consists of three ways to participate: one-to-one mentorship, group mentorship mixers, and our host family program.

One-to-one mentorship: Creating personalized connections between an alumni mentor and a student for individual support. 

Group mentorship mixers: Social gatherings where students and alumni meet in a casual group setting to foster connections.

Host family program: Connect with students by sharing meals and offering guidance in a welcoming community atmosphere by fostering meaning relationships.

Why become a Mentor

  1. Pay it forward: Share the knowledge and wisdom you've gained since graduating from Buffalo State. Your advice could be the key in helping students prepare for their future.
  2. Build meaningful connections: Form lasting relationships with students who share your passion for Buffalo State and increase your professional network by meeting other alumni mentors.
  3. Shape the future with your positive impact: With your guidance, you'll help students gain confidence, develop essential skills and prepare for the opportunities and challenges that could lie ahead.

Benefits of becoming a mentor

  1. Personal Fulfillment: Make a meaningful impact by supporting students during critical stages.
  2. Leadership Development: Enhance your leadership skills while mentoring others.
  3. Networking: Build relationships with mentees, mentors, and the alumni community.
  4. Career Growth: Strengthen your resume with mentorship experience.
  5. Connection to Alma Mater: Stay engaged and contribute to Buffalo State University's future.

How it works

Becoming a mentor is not just an opportunity to give back - it's a chance to make an impact on a current Buffalo State student. Our Alumni Mentorship Program offers personalized matches, flexible commitment, and opportunities to bring you back to campus to engage with your mentee.

Buffalo State and Compeer will walk you through every step of the process. They will be there to support you to answer any questions and offer the sense of community we want to offer to our students.

If you are interested in participating in this Alumni Mentorship Program, please fill out the "Apply Now" below, or contact Katelyn Birckhouse, director of alumni engagement at brickhkm@buffalostate.edu for specific questions. More information about the program is below.

Read about how our new mentorship program offers the opportunity for alumni and students.

 

ALumni Mentor Events

The Alumni Engagement Office and Compeer host muliple events throughout the year to encourage engagement between alumni and students. Our upcoming fall events are listed below.

 

Host Family Program Dinner

When: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Where: JVL Alumni & Visitor Center at Buffalo State University
Price: $20 per person

 

Example Time Line

Are you interested in becoming an alumni mentor, but not sure what it may entail? Below is an example of what the process may look like.

Step 1: You're interested! YAY! We're so excited to get you on-boarded and take you through this process.

Step 2: Compeer assists with the application process!

  • This can take about a month from start to finish.
  • Including an interview process, background checks, reference checks, and orientation
  • Don't worry - it may sound like a lot, but we want you to get the most out of this experience as well as have the best fit applicants for our students

Step 3: In the meantime, please feel free to attend any of our mentor events! This will give you an idea of what the program looks like, meet with potential students, and network with other alumni in the area. Not only is this a way to immerse yourself into our campus culture and community, but it's always a way to expand your professional networking opportunities.

Step 4: You are then paired up with a Buffalo State student!

  • The commitment to this program is extremely flexible. There are no set time or dates when you need to meet or talk to your mentee. However, this could include phone calls, attending campus events, or activities for you both to participate in.
  • It is not a requirement to put in hours every week. It is based on you and your student and what you both feel your needs are.
  • You're not in this alone! Buffalo State Alumni Association will assist in suggestions for the mentor and mentee to do, and how each can benefit from this relationship
    • For example, feel free to attend sporting events on campus, or grab a cup of coffee at the Starbucks in the library
    • Each month, Compeer and the Alumni Association plan to send out monthly newsletters, including updates, events, and exciting things for you and your mentee to do!

Step 5: Continue to grow the mentor relationship, and be of support to the students

  • Continue to meet, talk, and get to know one another through this mentorship program
  • The time frame is up to YOU!

How can Buffalo state help?

We know that it may be hard to connect with your assigned student right off the bat. Maybe they're shy or nervous to talk to you. It's okay! The Office of Alumni Engagement plans to provide suggestions for how to engage in this relationship.

  1. There will be specific events on campus for mentors and mentees to attend together (don't worry - we will keep you informed of them!)
  2. A monthly email will go out to mentors and mentees on local things to do in the area, or networking events they can meet at
  3. The JVL Alumni & Visitor Center is always a good space to meet and have coffee
  4. Ice breakers or topics of conversation can be suggested to break the ice

campus partners

The Alumni Mentorship Program has partnered with on campus groups who support all types of students at Buffalo State. One of our featured programs we work closely with is ROAR 2 Success. This program supports incoming freshmen as they make the transition into higher education. ROAR 2 Success assists students in making sure they have the resources necessary to set them up for success during their college career.

However, the Alumni Mentorship Program is available for all students, especially those who feel like they want/need a mentor!