Messina Mentor Information

• Download the Messina Mentor Information Sheet
• Complete the 2024-2025 Messina Mentor Application (for new applicants)
• Complete the 2024-2025 Messina Mentor Intent to Return Form (for current Messina Mentors)

I. Requirements of Administrators and Staff Members Participating in Messina

Messina Mentors:

• Have, in most cases, one year of experience working at Loyola before the Messina academic year begins.
• Have the endorsement of their supervisor to attend one to two enrichment hours each week during the work day (planned in cooperation with your faculty partners and Messina Evergreen).
• Attend 2-3, theme-wide events each year (occasionally held on evenings and weekends and planned in collaboration with other faculty, administrators and Messina Office).
• Participate for at least one academic year. Additional years may be negotiated in consultation with supervisors, office directors and the Messina Director.
• Possess a willingness to work as part of a collaborative working group of faculty members, administrators, staff members and student leaders.

II. Expectations during the 2023-2024 Academic Year (Preparation Year) for New Mentors

• Prepare for Messina participation by attending a variety of scheduled training sessions, workshops (about one per month beginning in January 2024) and small group meetings. Training sessions will take place in large group, theme-based and smaller, self-directed informal working group settings.
• Read the Messina Handbook and related e-mail communication.
• Attend a New Mentor workshop in Late May or Mid-August (dates, times and locations TBD)
• Messina will require 2-3 hours per month of preparation during the spring 2024 semester.
• Submit a brief bio for inclusion on the Messina website.

III. Expectations during the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Note:  Some administrators that participate in Messina will work with two faculty members and two Messina Evergreens to plan enrichment activities in and out the classroom for two seminar sections consisting of 15-17 students each semester.  Other administrators will be asked to collaborate with two faculty members and one Messina Evergreen to plan enrichment activities inside and outside of the classroom for one seminar group consisting of 15-17 students over the course of two semesters.

Messina Mentors will:

1. Participate in a professional learning community of faculty, administrators and student peer leaders participating in Messina
   • Prior to fall semester:
     • Meet with working group members at least two times (February/March and April/May) to discuss program goals and outcomes and craft syllabi and enrichment sessions
     • Attend a late spring or summer Messina workshop
     • Attend a summer planning meeting for Fall Welcome Weekend Mentor Sessions
     • Attend a workshop/planning day the week before the fall semester begins to review syllabi and coordinate first week and/or orientation interactions
     • Attend fall orientation/Welcome Week events coordinated in conjunction with Messina and Office of Student Engagement (such as the Fall Welcome Weekend Mentor Session).
   • During Fall and Spring Semesters:
     • Meet with working group members to discuss progress of individual students and the class (At least 3 such working group meetings during the academic year – early fall, pre-spring, and mid-spring check-ins are expected.)
     • Participate in ongoing planning and communication on a weekly basis.
2. Collaborate on the Planning and Implementation of Enrichment Sessions
   • Discuss connections of courses and co-curricular activities to the overarching Messina theme.
   • Integrate enrichment sessions into course syllabi (enrichment sessions should include at least one Baltimore excursion and one theme-related event each semester).
   • Incorporate interdisciplinary perspectives into seminar courses and enrichment sessions.
   • Attend and assist in the facilitation of 10-12 enrichment sessions in the fall (totaling 15-25 hours of interaction with your students) and 8-10 enrichment sessions in the spring (totaling 12-20 hours of interaction with your students) for each seminar class.
3. Complete paperwork on behalf of the working group including the submission of enrichment session plans and audits, mid-semester check-in report, logistical planning forms and student leadership nominations.
4. Discuss student conduct and retention issues (when they arise) with students connected to enrichment hours and assist in student’s reflection process.
5. Empower participants (faculty, administrators and students) to notice and address student concerns and refer to appropriate resources when necessary.
6. Provide feedback to Messina by participating in program evaluations, surveys and other assessment efforts.