Babson College
PAE-8: Support Programs for Underrepresented Groups

Peer Mentors are individuals selected to assist first-year students with their transition into Babson via the new student orientation and the co-facilitation of a First Year Seminar course. Peer Mentors guide and provide support to a cohort of approximately 20 students. Selected Peer Mentors participate in a thorough training program at the end of August (the week prior to orientation), are expected to be present for all of Orientation, and regularly attend their assigned FYS section throughout the fall semester. Contact for Peer Mentors is Michele Brown (mbrown5@babson.edu). Multicultural Student-Alumni Mentoring Program: In response to an outpouring from multicultural students for mentoring support, we are piloting the first ever mentoring program. 18 multicultural students have been matched with 18 alumni mentors. The "Q" Multicultural Advisor is a Division of Student Affairs/Campus Life staff member serving as a resource to the traditionally under represented population on the Babson College campus. The "Q" is responsible for creating a welcoming and inclusive community within his/her assigned area. The "Q" will be trained to provide support and assistance to students on a variety of issues. "Q" training will take place prior to the start of each semester and attendance is mandatory for all "Q"'s. More information can be found by clicking this link. Contact for "Qs" is Amir Reza (areza@babson.edu). The Black Affinity Group is dedicated to strengthening ties between alumni and students to engage these two groups in a meaningful manner. The annual conferences provide alumni with an updated view of the college's efforts to recruit and retain students of color; provide a forum for students and alumni to share views on strategies of recruitment, retention, and alumni involvement; and to develop plans to move forward around these college initiatives.

We are in the process of developing our own cultural competency training for staff and faculty. Six faculty members have been trained on the Cultural Orientations Model and we will combine this training with SEERS and Stop the Hate to develop something unique to Babson.

Affinity groups are being re-initiated. We are in the process of developing our own cultural competency training for staff and faculty. Six faculty members have been trained on the Cultural Orientations Model and we will combine this training with SEERS and Stop the Hate to develop something unique to Babson.