The Program
The CougLink Mentor Program, which begins its inaugural year in fall 2007, is designed to assist students make a successful transition into college life at Washington State University; academically, personally, and socially.

The Participants
The program naturally intends to grow in future years, but focusing on residents within the Stephenson Complex this year will enable mentors to communicate easier with a greater number of students, allow first-year students to connect easier with other program participants, and will enable the program to utilize some of the resources available in the residence hall.

Mentors attend comprehensive educational and training sessions and gather regularly as part of their on-going development, but mentees will have few structured expectations.

CougLink is a voluntary program and as such, places no academic or personal requirements on participants. To make the most of this experience though, students will generally be expected to meet or communicate regularly with their mentor, participate in activities and discussion sessions with other participants.

Actively engaging in the program and services available will only help participants more easily make the transition to college and be more successful. Students who wish to become more involved either in campus activities or CougLink specifically will have plenty of unique opportunities to do so.

The Mentors
CougLink Mentors have been carefully selected based on their personal qualities
character

Mentors are expected to

• Promote and model a balanced and healthy lifestyle, emphasizing academic achievement, personal development, management, leadership and involvement in out-of-classroom learning.
• Facilitate and model healthy decision making with regard to use of alcohol, drugs and other potentially risky behaviors. Maintain ethical and professional behavior at all times.
• Be knowledgeable of University support services (i.e. SALC, Career and Counseling Services, scholarships, internships, Academic Enrichment Center, tutoring services, Student Support Services, CAMP, Community Learning Center, etc.).
• Acquaint mentees with the nature, structure, policies, and resources at WSU.