Who’s Your Mentor?
Social Mentor program offers a fun, free way to get involved

Mentors and freshmen hang out with Slugger at Kauffman Stadium. From left, Betty Hsu, ’06, Deanna Johnson, ’06, Sammie Whited, ’09, and Laura Cindrich, ’09.

By Deanna Johnson, '06
How would you like to meet new people at Royals games, ice cream outings or pizza parties while doing all of it for free? About 35 Rockhurst students are doing just that as part of the Social Mentors program.

Social Mentors is a program designed to provide social events for freshmen during their first semester on campus. The events are a way for the new students to get adjusted to Rockhurst and Kansas City and get involved in an alcohol-free environment. Each mentor has a group of 12-15 freshmen students for which they plan events and provide support.

Several large events that include all groups are held in the fall. These include a Royals game, Worlds of Fun and Haunted Houses. Small group activities also are scheduled so that more personal relationships can be formed. Many mentors hold pizza parties, attend a Rockhurst athletic event, or take their freshmen out for ice cream.

Participants say the program benefits both mentors and freshmen.

“Besides getting to meet new people, I think it is a wonderful organization to be a part of because it gives upperclassmen a chance to help freshmen find their way,” says Betty Hsu, ’06. “The best thing is that the organization is structured so that each group can design activities based on what their interests are — as long as it is within the budget.”

Mentors range from sophomores to seniors, and many are involved in other campus organizations as well. Mentors have gone through an application and interview process and are seen as leaders on campus because of their commitment to the program.

The Social Mentors program is in its sixth year, the fourth under the guidance of Elbert Darden, Ph.D. The organization does more than help students meet each other, though.

“Social Mentors can help with retention because it facilitates relationships among peers and upperclassmen,” says Darden. “Freshmen have someone to ask about accessing services or someone to turn to for advice regarding professors or other issues. This program is one of the best opportunities on campus for leadership training.”