Participating in Monarch Mentors

This program is to provide a welcoming and friendly environment on campus for new International students; by providing a one-on-one connection between current Old Dominion University students with new International students. Mentors are a personal contact for new International students, who help guide them through the campus experience and help them foster a sense of community at ODU. The program enhances intercultural communication skills among domestic and international students.

New International students who attend ODU may experience “culture shock,” while adjusting to their new lifestyle. International student must adjust to their new environment, the American culture, and climate, among other adjustments. Monarch Mentors are here to help International students minimize the effects of culture shock and their transition to ODU.

How can you get involved in Monarch Mentors?

ODU students who have completed at least one semester at ODU can become a Monarch Mentor. Monarch Mentors are selected one semester before they want to become a mentor. In order to participate; you must have an appreciation for and sensitivity of cultural difference among people from around the world, and have an interest in helping international students.

Mentor's Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend a training session the semester before beginning mentorship
  • Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 10am-11am
  • Thursday, Dec. 3 at 12:30pm-1:30pm
  • Thursday, Dec 3 at 7:15pm-8:15pm
• Attend Meet Your Mentor Event Second Week of the semester
  • January 16th –location to be announced
• During the semester attend the Mid-semester check-in meeting
• Must touch base with mentee at least twice a month, whether this is through activities, emails, phone calls, etc.
• Assist in evaluation of program at the end of each semester
• There will be an opportunity for you to participate in the International Student Orientation and the International Student Reception

Mentors are encouraged to take initiative and plan activities for new international students. These activities can be one-on-one or in a group with other mentors/mentees. They can be formal or informal events: sporting events, going to the beach, art museum, or shopping. If the mentor wishes to sponsor a formal event, he/she may make a request for funding from OIR.

To request to be a Monarch Mentor, please fill out our online application.

New International Students

To request a mentor please fill out the Monarch Mentor Request Form or stop by the OIR office to pick on up. You will receive a Monarch Mentor at the Meet Your Monarch Mentor event on January 16.

New Positions in Monarch Mentors

Monarch Mentor Board of Directors
The Board of Directors includes three Monarch Mentors who have participated in at least one semester of Monarch Mentors. They plan and coordinate activities each month for Monarch Mentor participants. They must:

• Exhibit leadership abilities with students from diverse backgrounds
• Exhibit initiative to plan and coordinate activities
• Have a good understanding of international students needs

To apply for a position on the Board of Directors, click here.

Communication Officer (one Monarch Mentor)

• Maintain communication with Monarch mentors and Mentees
• Send emails out about monthly meetings, activities, etc.
• Work with the Event Coordinator

Event Coordinators (two Monarch Mentors)

• Organize monthly programs and activities including outings to sporting events, on-campus activities, or special events.
• Work with Communication office to communicate with participants
• Communicate with Monarch Mentor Coordinator and attend bi-monthly meeting with Coordinator

For more information, please contact Graduate Assistant Alexis Young.