Would you like to make a difference in a student’s life? Consider becoming an Ascender Mentor at Austin Community College.
Ascender mentors are professionals who want to support students during their first year of college. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and having a mentor provides encouragement, guidance, and a valuable connection to the professional world.
Students consistently share that their mentors play an important role in their academic success and personal growth.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please complete the form below.
Steps to Become a Mentor
- Complete the Mentor Interest Form
- Complete the New Mentor Orientation (virtual orientation held in August).
- Sign the Mentor Commitment Form
After completing these steps, the Ascender manager and coordinator will review mentor profiles and match mentors with incoming students based on shared interests and experiences.
Mentors and mentees will be contacted via email during the first week of September.
What Do Mentors Do?
Mentors are supportive guides who help students navigate their first year of college. They:
- Listen and provide encouragement
- Share personal and professional experiences
- Help students see the bigger picture when challenges arise
- Serve as positive role models
Mentors play an important role in helping students build a network of support as they begin their college journey.
- Meet with students during Ascender events on their designated campus (fall and spring semesters).
- Encourage students to ask questions and seek academic support.
- Share resources for scholarships, internships, and academic success.
- Help students develop professional networking skills.
- Support students in setting goals and planning their careers.
- Give or lend money to students
- Act as a parent or guardian figure
- Discuss topics that may make a student uncomfortable
- Lecture or talk down to students
- Criticize a student’s behavior, style, or religious beliefs
- Impose personal or political values
- Engage in romantic or dating relationships with students
Mentor Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Spanish to become a mentor?
No. While Spanish or other languages are welcome, English is the only requirement.
Do I Have to be an ACC employee to become a mentor?
No. Mentors can come from any institution, organization, or professional background. While many mentors work at ACC, anyone with at least two years of experience in higher education or a related field is welcome to apply.
No. Mentoring is a voluntary and unpaid role. However, many mentors find the experience extremely rewarding as they support first-year college students.
How often does a mentor meet with their mentee?
Mentors meet with their mentee once per month during the semester. Meetings are typically 1 to 1.5 hours and are coordinated by the Ascender Mentor Coordinator. Most mentors spend 6–8 hours per semester in mentoring activities.
Mentors are asked to commit to two consecutive semesters, beginning in the fall.
The Mentor Coordinator pairs mentors and students based on shared interests, backgrounds, and goals, using the information provided in the mentor and mentee profile forms.
What should I do in the event that I couldn’t continue mentoring?
If you are unable to continue mentoring, please notify the Ascender team as soon as possible and inform your mentee.
Who do I notify if I am not able to attend a meeting, or if I have some issues or concerns?
For any questions or concerns related to mentoring, please contact:
Alejandra Polcik
Student Success Programs Manager
512-223-5664
[email protected]
or
Diana Gorostieta
Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
