Broaden the capacity for mentoring students of color by creating a comprehensive program for use by all faculty and staff on campus

Task Force Recommendation: Create and invest in Affirming Spaces for Students of Color

Task Force Project: Broaden the capacity for mentoring students of color by creating a comprehensive program for use by all faculty and staff on campus

Champion: John Davenport

Status: Ongoing

Implementation Team Actions

• In conjunction with University College, the MASAI mentoring program was expanded to serve over 100 students in partnership with the Noble One pipeline program. This program will serve as the model for future mentoring and retention efforts.
• Diversity Advocacy and University College worked to incorporate an intensive mentoring model, where staff from the Chicago-based programs/schools remain connected to the students during their first year in college. These students were invited to a special Welcome Week social.
• ISU staff participated in site visits to some of the sending schools to meet and engage with students pre-attendance and interact with school staff to better understand student needs. 

Next step/Timeline

• With the incorporation of a case manager in the Dean of Students Office and in University College, staff are working on collaborative, proactive outreach strategies to identify and remove roadblocks for students before they impact retention and academic success.
• Work to create a pre-enrollment assessment to determine potential trouble areas for student as the enter ISU.
• Continue to work with University College to streamline departmental roles to maximize student support.