Academic Catalog 2026-2027

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. 

  • Mentors will not manage or monitor students’ social media. This includes not accepting or initiating friend requests on social media from current students or their families.

  • Unless an appeal is approved to add to a mentor to a student’s PLP, mentors will transport students using Bethel vehicles only for Bethel/BUILD events and not their personal vehicle.

  • In order to help students practice budgeting skills and avoid any potential exploitation, mentors will not give, lend, take, or borrow money to/ from any student. 

  • Mentors for BUILD are working in a support role and cannot date or have a romantic relationship with any of the students they mentor.

  • 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 including supporting students in participating in Bethel Student Government's Unified Sports Club as a student leader for the club.
  • Facilitate development of community by planning group activities for students while on duty if there is not a Bethel University event already scheduled. 
  • Remind students to complete individual Home Living/Self-care skills and assignments. 
  • Partner with RA, RD, and/or BUILD Residential Supervisor to help with conflict or crisis management, as 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.
  • Support students in completing timesheets and other employment paperwork, as needed. 
  • 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

Social mentors are second-year students in BUILD who apply and are selected for a volunteer social mentor position with the following responsibilities: 

  • Support first-year students in BUILD by encouraging their participation in Welcome Week activities.
  • Assist first-year students in BUILD by helping them get to class at the beginning of the academic year.
  • Social mentors are encouraged to continue this connection throughout the year by attending meals and other events with first-year students in BUILD.

Accommodations Policy

  • *Disability-related accommodation needs 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.).
  • Students requesting disability-related accommodations work with their advisor or a BUILD staff member to request needed accommodations.