What
is the purpose?
A.L.A.N.A. is a mentoring & retention program
designed to improve academic success, retention, transfer and
graduation of students at Prince George's Community College
through structured support and mentoring relationships. The
A.L.A.N.A. program is open to ALL STUDENTS who wish to participate.
Who
are mentors?
Mentors
are faculty, administrators, staff, peers, and community/business
representatives from diverse educational and personal backgrounds.
Mentors volunteer their time to counsel and guide a student
or group of students for a mutually agreed upon time period
towards their educational and personal goals. www.mentoring.org
Students
are matched according to major, availability, and preferred
mentor qualities.Students
are assigned mentors after application, intake, and student
agreements have been signed.
What
are mentoring activities?
Mentors
work together with students outside of the classroom in a variety
of activities. The most popular include, but are not limited
to:
Mentor
Responsibilities
- Meet with assigned
student based upon agreed schedule.
- Assist in the
development of skills necessary for student to succeed in
college.
- Monitor academic
performance.
- Assist student
in developing realistic career/academic and personal goals
and expectations.
- Refer student
to appropriate support services.
- Communicate
concerns to program staff.
- Attend program
sponsored activities.
- Make attempts
to follow up with students.
- Foster a welcoming
atmosphere.
- Complete a simple program evaluation each year.
How
can mentors get involved?
- Complete a
mentoring application.
- Attend mentor
orientation session.
- Must be available
to meet with student.
- Commit to work
with a student for one year.
- Participate
in program activities.
Student
Responsibilites
- Sign a student
agreement.
- Regularly attend
classes.
- Be prompt and
keep scheduled appointments.
- Contact mentor
if experiencing difficulty in classes.
- Meet in person
with mentor at least four times each semester.
- Take responsibility
for the relationship i.e. initiate phone calls, appointments,
and follow through activities.
- Identify short-term
goals.
- Attend program
activities.
- Make at least one office contact each semester to provide
update of academic progress.
How
can students get involved?
- Complete an
application to participate in the program.
- Meet with an ALANA staff member to discuss academic and
career goals.
- Complete an Academic Action Plan
- Sign the Student
Agreement form.
- Attend a program
orientation session.
- Participate
in program activities.
- Meet with assigned mentor
Mentor Comments
“Amongst many benefits, I have been able
to learn about and experience another culture. It’s an
awesome experience when you can give just a little time and
advice to a student and it makes a world of difference.”
Brenda Teal, Developmental Studies
“Mentoring new students provided me with
not only a personal feeling of accomplishment through helping
others, but also, renewed understanding and insight about how
it feels to be a student navigating through the often complicated,
maze of college life.” Debra Greene, Student Support Services/TRIO
“It has been very rewarding to establish
relationships with the students, to be there to help them troubleshoot
problems and to celebrate their victories with them. I find
it very gratifying to be a part of the milestones students experience
along the way, such as going on to graduate studies, securing
employment and even starting families.” Beth Adkins, Counseling
Services.
Student Comments
“ALANA offers support for a successful
transition from high school to college”
“ALANA gives you a sense of self-worth”
“Thank you for everything, this is an excellent
program”
“Keep up the good work. The Atlanta trip
should have been longer. The Women’s retreat was fantastic.
I had a blast with the Gear UP students, who still keep in contact”
MENTORING & RETENTION SERVICES
MENTORING:
Participants may be assigned to an affinity group
and/or a mentor, an experienced advisor, peer, faculty/staff
or community representative to help guide you through your educational
program.
ADVISING AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT:
Provide academic advising and the development
of an educational plan (academic action plan) for program participants.
Other academic support includes study skills strategies, academic
monitoring, referral for career counseling, personal counseling
and tutorial.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES:
Several activities are available to help participants
get to know other students, faculty, and staff within the Prince
George's Community College community. The activities include
a holiday reception, end of year event, Mentor/Mentee Brown
Bags, Men Moving Forward, and cultural field trips.
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER:
A wide variety of books, magazines and movies
are available for students to view to increase cultural awareness
and provide academic assistance. Computer and study space are
available for students.
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES:
Several activities are available to help you get
to know other students, faculty, and staff within the Prince
George's Community College community. The activities include
a holiday reception, end of year event, Mentor/Mentee Brown
Bags, Men Moving Forward, and cultural field trips.
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER:
A wide variety of books, magazines and movies
are available for students to view to increase cultural awareness
and provide academic assistance. Computer and study space are
available for students.
NEWSLETTERS:
A semester newsletter
(ALANAGRAM) containing such information as a calendar of
events, important dates, transfer and study skill tips, student
recognition, job information and more.
MEN MOVING FORWARD:
A group designed to build leadership and academic
success in men. Men participate in monthly academic and personal
development workshops, positive and constructive group social
interactions and community building projects.
MEETING
IN THE LADIES’ ROOM:
A monthly forum and outlet for women to explore
issues concerning women, share unique experiences, build support,
network, enhance self-concept and identify strategies and barriers
to academic success; through group discussions, workshops, readings
and guest speakers.
AOBA
SCHOLARSHIP:
The Apartment and Office Building Association
of Metropolitan Washington provides 2-year full-tuition scholarships
for Prince George’s Community County High School graduates.
The program includes on/off –campus mentoring job shadow
experience, leadership seminars, summer internships, and community
service projects.
CAMPUS VISITS:
Campus visitations to Bowie State, Frostburg State,
Salisbury State, Morgan State, Delaware State, Towson State,
UMCP, UMBC, UMES, Howard University, American University and
George Washington University. (free of charge)
Mentor
Resources
www.mentors.ca/Docs.html
Annotated bibliography for mentor research and information
www.peer.ca
List of published works on mentoring
www.mentorsforum.co.uk
Forum for people to share mentoring experiences
You may direct questions concerning the A.L.A.N.A. program
by E-mail: ALANA@pg.cc.md.us
