Guidelines and Expectations

What does it mean to be a Mentor?

A Westmont Mentor:

  • Lives their life according to the Westmont Community Life Statement (meaning: lives with Jesus as their role model so they can be a good role model to their mentee)
  • Contributes to building up the Westmont community through their attitude and actions
  • Commits enough time to hang out with their mentee about once a week
  • Commits to foster this relationship throughout their time at Westmont
  • Comes to the meetings for mentors (only three per semester) to prepare for, check in with, and assess the program
  • Receives funds from the Mentorship program to pay for some meals, activities, and other fun stuff to do with their mentee
  • Is their mentee's friend! How does a mentor "be a friend" to their mentee? Any way you want to! Put as much into this relationship as you want to get out of it. Here are some suggestions:
  • Take your mentee out to lunch
  • Engage in an activity of mutual interest (rock climbing, hiking, surfing, shopping, whatever you have in common... try new things too!)
  • Go through a book together and meet to discuss it
  • Go through a book of the Bible together
  • Meet once a week for accountability and prayer
  • Join a campus club or ministry together
  • Give them a ride to your church to help them get plugged in
  • Introduce them to your friends
  • Meet once a week in the DC for a lunch date
  • Help your mentee navigate their way through the Westmont system: offer advice on classes, majors, scheduling, off-campus programs, ministries, clubs, anything they need help figuring out or need advice on
  • Answer all their burning questions that only you, as an upperclassman possessing infinite Westmont knowledge and wisdom, can answer ("What's a DTR? How do I get a NCTO? What's Spring Sing? Do trolls really live under the bridges in the Formal Gardens? Is it ok to ride the Loser Cruiser?")
  • Be an example of what a Christ-seeking Westmont student looks like
  • And of course, love your mentee by consistently praying for their lives and encouraging them in their walks with Jesus Christ!

What does it mean to have a Westmont Mentor?

If you have a Westmont Mentor:

  • You have another upperclassman friend!
  • Your mentor will be there to offer you advice on how to navigate your way through the Westmont system: classes, majors, scheduling, off-campus programs, ministries, clubs, anything you need help figuring out, or need advice about
  • You'll have someone who will answer all those burning questions your advisor never answered:
    • What the heck is a DTR?
    • Which dances do I need a date for?
    • Do you really study in The Study?
    • Is it cool or dorky to be part of the musical extravaganza known as Spring Sing?
    • What is a NCTO and how do I get myself one?
  • Where are the good spots to go surfing/hiking/shopping/whatever in Santa Barbara?
  • Is it true I'll get a "ring by Spring" or my money back?
  • How can I have fun in Santa Barbara without spending money?
  • How do I avoid getting stuck in "the zone" in the DC?
  • Which chapel speakers should I plan on skipping?
  • How can I magically open my mail slot without the combo every time?
  • Does the Westmont "bubble" really exist?
  • What are the five things I have to do to guarantee getting my "MRS Degree" by the time I graduate?
  • Is everyone here a Christian?
  • Is it ok to ride the "Loser Cruiser/Shuttle of Shame"?
  • What churches can I attend in Santa Barbara?
  • What do I have to do to get a free drink at Chipotle anytime I want?
  • What are "The Arches" and how do I get there?
  • Do trolls really live under the bridges in the Formal Gardens?
  • You'll have an awesome, radical friend to hang out with: whether that be a Bible study, a lunch date, a pal to do your hiking/surfing/shopping/whatever with, joining a ministry or club together, going to church with, having a weekly prayer and accountability meeting... basically whatever you guys want to do to form an encouraging, positive relationship throughout both of your careers as a Westmont student!