Faculty Mentoring Program is a win-win experience 

The Faculty Mentoring Program at California State University was established in 1987 as part of the California State University 's efforts to promote educational equity in higher education. The program is a unique experience that affords students the opportunity to interact with faculty in a setting other than the traditional classroom format.

In the past faculty members have generously volunteered their time to mentor by offering guidance, support and encouragement to first-year students. These students consistently refer to their mentors as "genuine friends" who empower and motivate them to complete their education and become successful professionals. Students are sometimes surprised when their mentors share their experiences in overcoming personal and professional obstacles to reach their educational goals.

The mentoring program has been a rewarding experience for mentors as well as their students. Dr. Albert Valencia, director of University 1 and Faculty Mentoring Program has volunteered his time since 1997 and has been encouraged and inspired by the life lessons of his students. In particular he recently wrote about "Two Marias " who faced life-threatening diseases but continued and completed their education with amazing determination. To read the entire article, please go to:

http://www.fresnobee.com/opinion/valley_voices/story/8961250p-9853436c.html

Valencia says that observing the dedication of these women and collaborating with them to complete their degree has taught him that his influence as a teacher goes beyond the classroom. He is strengthened and motivated in his role as educator to the many students who enter his classroom and visit his office who share their educational goals and seek help in overcoming the barriers along the way.

For these two women and the hundreds of first-year students who enter our university each fall, a college degree is the attainment of a goal that may often seem out of reach. By introducing students to the challenges and rewards of college life and a hopeful vision for the future, Faculty Mentors act as advocates of success to first-year students.

Faculty Mentors can introduce students to their own field of study as well as the numerous academic majors that Fresno State has to offer. The Faculty Mentoring Program invites all interested faculty to participate in the 2004-2005 Mentoring Program.

For information and an application for the Faculty Mentoring Program, please call 8-7766 or visit our Web site at http://www.csufresno.edu/univ1_fmp .