Graduate Student Mentoring: How Structured Mentoring Programs Support Latinx Student Academic Success and Faculty-Student Communication

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Impact of Mentoring on Latinx Students in Higher Education

Abstract

Limited research exists on the role of graduate students in mentoring undergraduate first generation college students. Using Gloria Crisp and Irene Cruz (2009) theoretical framework for college student mentoring, we examine survey data from a structured mentoring program to demonstrate the influence of graduate student mentors on undergraduate Latinx students’ confidence in their own academic success, their ability to reach out to faculty members, and their expectations to graduate within four years. Findings show that positive experiences with graduate student mentors had a significant and positive correlation with undergraduate students’ confidence to succeed academically, confidence to reach out to faculty for course related issues, and confidence to graduate within four years. Recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Bertin Solis, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Fabian Pacheco, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Diana Chagolla, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Laura F. Romo, University of California - Santa Barbara