What is the AALANA Mentor Program?

AALANA Watch

The AALANA Mentor Program is a peer mentorship program that assists first year and transfer students with the transition to college life.

The program was created in the spirit of building community among African American, Latino, Asian, and Native American students in order to secure academic and social GROUP success. Negotiating the differences between high school and college is often a challenge for first year students especially first generation college goers and AALANA students. Peer mentors are chosen and trained to assist their freshmen peers in acclimating to the campus setting.

Mentors meet with their mentor groups to offer strategies for academic and social success though monthly group discussions. This program offers freshmen the opportunity to learn from the academic and social experiences of successful AALANA students. Don't worry, none of these Mentors are PERFECT, many of them have had to learn their lessons the hard way.

AALANA freshmen will additionally benefit from programming designed to get you over the bumps in the road like dealing with roommates, figuring out ways to deal with academic pressures, and generally meeting people on campus.

Program Requirements

Participation in the program is optional. Students who wish to participate in the AALANA Mentor Program are required to attend monthly group meetings as well as attend AALANA Mentor programming a minimum of twice a semester.

What makes us different from other mentor programs?

Mentor groups are formed based on mutual interest among the group's participants. This year groups were formed around interests in music, dance, sports, and poetry to name just a few. Within these mentor groups they played volleyball, choreographed dances which were performed as a part of Terpsichorean Dance Company recital, attended poetry slams, co produced videos for air on the campus television station, and the list continues to grow.

The interest survey and enrollment form

An enrollment form and interest survey will be mailed over the summer to admitted students who have self identified as being African American, Latino, Asian or Native American. Students who have checked other will not get this mailing, so be sure that your information is correct with the Admissions Office. Space in the AALANA Mentor Program is limited, so please send back the completed forms as soon as you get them!

What the mentees say...

Luis, GED student:

"The AALANA Mentor Program helped me during my first semester. I received good advice from my mentors. Because my mentors are students themselves, I was confident talking to them when I had any academic questions. This program has helped me and I'm sure it has done the same to others."

Jessica, Health Opportunities in the Bronx:

"I think it is a great program for people new to SUNY Oneonta who need to meet new people and learn some things about dealing with the pressures of being new on campus and also to stay aware of campus activities."

Rachele, Catskill House School

At home I was always the "black kid that wasn't black enough" but with this experience I became just "Rae".

Jacob, Francis Lewis High School in Queens:

"The AALANA Mentor Program has made my transition from high school to college a much more enjoyable experience."

Mirolabis De Jesus, Landmark High School in NYC:

"As a freshman at SUCO it was amazing having mentors around. They were always available to help as well as interested in not just my academics, but also in my personal life. If I ever had any questions or concerns, I knew I could turn to my mentors."

Want more information? Email us!

Or call (607) 436-3353!