Program Staff

Tedd Vanadilok, Director
Kamillah Ong, Graduate Assistant
Cece Chen, Student Assistant
James Han, Student Assistant
Emily Kim, Student Assistant
Xiaoke Song, Student Assistant
Yidi Su, Student Assistant

Contact Us

Information & Application

For mentees (freshmen and transfers):
Information | Questionnaire

Questionnaire Deadline: Friday, August 31, 2007

By submitting a questionnaire you are automatically accepted into the program.

For mentors (upperclassmen):
Information | Application

Program Overview

The purpose of the Mentoring Program is to facilitate the transition process to life at Northwestern for new Asian and Asian American students. Mentors (upperclassmen) help freshmen and transfer students develop a sense of belonging while also helping them navigate campus and determine what they want to do during their time in college.

The program is designed to accomplish these goals:

• To provide Asian and Asian American freshmen and transfer students with a support system to help facilitate their transition to Northwestern.
• To acquaint freshmen and transfer students with the University and Evanston environment.
• To provide opportunities for Asian and Asian American freshmen and transfer students to connect with other Asian and Asian American students, mentors, and Asian/Asian American Student Affairs staff.
• To provide Asian and Asian American freshmen and transfer students with an opportunity to think about what they want to accomplish in college and how they want to contribute to the Northwestern community, especially in relation to the Asian/Asian American community.

Program Structure

Mentoring Pairs & Groups

Each mentor is matched with one mentee to create a mentee-mentor pair. We then form mentoring groups which will consist of two mentee-mentor pairs. Each mentor will be specifically paired with at least one mentee.

Depending on the needs and preferences of the mentors and mentees in each mentoring group, they may meet as a group, as mentee-mentor pairs, or a combination of both. The reason for the dual structure is to provide mentees with the opportunity to either develop a strong relationship with one specific mentor or seek a mentoring relationship in a group setting.

Matching

Each mentee-mentor pair is assigned on the basis of similar interests, needs, and/or shared experiences. While we do our best to accommodate the preferences of mentors, the needs of the mentees take precedence.

In general, the mentoring groups will be assigned using the same guidelines. However, if two mentors specifically request to be assigned to the same mentoring group, we will do our best to honor those requests.

Program-Wide Activities

Asian/Asian American Student Affairs organizes program-wide events to supplement meetings and activities that mentoring pairs and/or groups may plan on their own. Program-wide events (i.e. dinners, study breaks, Chicago outings, game nights, etc.) are intended to give mentors and mentees from all groups a chance to connect with each other and have fun.

Mentoring Pair/Group Activities

Ideas for Mentoring Pair/Group Activities (available in September)

Program-Wide Activities

Tuesday, October 2

Welcome Reception
5:30pm @ Venue TBA

Friday, October 5

Dave & Buster's Trip
Leave the Multicultural Center at 5:00pm @ Dave & Busters

Sunday, October 7

Make a Difference Day (Community Service Day)
Time & Venue TBA

Other Ideas (unconfirmed dates)

NU Wildcat Football Tailgate & Game
Chicago Bulls Basketball Game
Shopping Trip @ Michigan Avenue
Halloween Pumpkin Carving
Movie Night @ Century Theaters
Comedy Show @ Second City
Outdoor Ice Skating @ Millennium Park

We are open to other ideas as well!