Student Mentors

Mentor​ ​Support​ ​provided​ ​by​ ​the BUILD Program* 

  • Mentors are Bethel students hired to live and/or work alongside students in BUILD to encourage involvement in Bethel events, and support skill development, academic learning, and independence. 
  • Mentors do not provide personal care assistance. 
  • We ask that parents/guardians contact the BUILD program (651-635-8799 build-program@bethel.edu) with any questions, concerns, and comments regarding their student’s Bethel experience. Using the BUILD program contacts will allow BUILD staff to communicate messages to the correct person/people to best follow-up on questions, concerns, and/or information. Student mentors’ contact information is not shared publicly.

BUILD Mentor Position Descriptions

Housing Mentor

Housing Mentors are hired as live-in support for students, they live in the same residence halls as the students they are supporting, and have the following responsibilities:

  • Support students in the BUILD program to develop independence with home living skills including self-care, home management (laundry, cleaning, etc.), weekly meal planning, and social/community participation. 
  • Attend Bethel University events with students when on duty. 
  • Facilitate development of community by planning at least one group activity for students per week. 
  • Remind students to complete individual Home Living/Self-care skills and assignments. 
  • Partner with RA, RD, residential supervisor and/or graduate assistants to help with conflict or crisis management, if needed.
  • Attend weekly housing mentor meetings and regular meetings with supervisor as part of ongoing training. 
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Job Mentor

Job mentors have the following responsibilities:

  • Provide on-the-job coaching and support for students in the BUILD program as part of their Internship, Independent Study and Life at Bethel Courses including completing career-focused training modules alongside students in BUILD during independent study.
  • Work alongside students in the BUILD program to assist in staying focused and motivated on the job. As students work to develop independence, the job mentors’ hours may decrease.
  • Complete daily internship log with students to track hours completed and growth in work skills. 
  • Listen to students, recognize positive strides, and remind students of the progress they are making. 
  • Support students in completing career development aspects of Independent Study courses.
  • Collaborate with on-site job supervisor and internship supervisor to establish new approaches to job issues when the original plan is not working effectively. 
  • Use coaching and modeling to correct behaviors and processes that are not working well. 
  • Consult with supervisor as needed to identify needed supports. 
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Student Academic Mentor

Student Academic mentors have the following responsibilities:

  • Support students in the BUILD program to manage their schedules, participate in elective classes, clubs, athletic teams, and other co-curricular activities.
  • Host a weekly study group for each elective class to support students in satisfactorily accessing and progressing through elective course content and course requirements.
  • Consult with course professor and supervisor as needed to identify needed supports.
  • Complete daily google form to track attendance and progress.
  • Complete other duties as assigned.

Social Mentor: Second-year students in BUILD have the opportunity to apply for a volunteer social mentor position. This position focuses on supporting first-year students in BUILD by encouraging their participation in Welcome Week activities and assisting them in getting to class at the beginning of the academic year. Students are encouraged to continue this connection throughout the year.

*Needs for accommodations that exceed what is provided by BUILD mentors need to be requested through the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS)  (e.g., accessibility needs, interpreters, etc.).

Accommodations Policy

Disability-related accommodations are determined by the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (OARS). Students requesting disability-related accommodations work with their advisor or a BUILD staff member to request needed accommodations.

Connect with Bethel