Alumni of Color Mentoring Initiative Program

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The Alumni of Color Mentoring Initiative gives students the opportunity to network with, learn from and share feedback with alumni of color as well as providing former Kenyon students the chance to give back in a transformational way that could shape students' lives.

Piloted in 2014, it is one of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's retention initiatives. The program pairs students with alumni in career fields in which many students have expressed interest. Also, being a student of color at a predominantly white institution and in a rural environment can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, of being otherized, and of an inability to access the social and cultural capital to affirm their identity in academic, social, personal and career spaces. The Alumni and Parent Engagement Office has partnered to ensure great success of initiative and the weekend events that are planned.

Mentor Expectations

In order to be an effective and transformational mentor with the Alumni of Color Mentoring Initiative, we have the following expectations:

1. Meaningfully communicate with your mentee at least once or twice each month. Means of communication include phone, Skype, FaceTime, face-to-face, etc.

2. Participate in the Alumni of Color Mentoring Initiative Discussion Series that will take place once-a-month via email or Google Hangout.

3. Attend the Alumni of Color Mentoring Initiative Weekend events:
• Fall: Sept. 14-16, 2018 (Homecoming Weekend)
• Spring: Feb. 22-24, 2019

*The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides travel assistance for alumni driving within the regional area as well as 50 percent of the airfare into John Glenn International Airport (and escort to campus) for alumni that will be flying to attend.

4. Use your voice and presence as a recruiter for the Alumni of Color Mentoring Initiative.

Mentee Expectations

Mentees in the Alumni of Color Mentoring Initiative also have expectations to ensure the success of the mentoring relationship and program:

1. Communicate and engage with your mentor at least once or twice each month. Means of communication include phone, Skype, FaceTime, face-to-face, etc.