What is Student Supporting Students Mentoring Organization?

Student Supporting Students Mentoring Organization is a mentoring program under the umbrella of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) office at The Florida State University. It is designed to encourage continued participation from upper level CARE participants and to assist incoming participants in achieving their goals throughout their freshmen school year.

Role of SSSMO Mentor

As a SSSMO Mentor, students participate in a variety of activities designed to increase the mentees’ awareness of campus events and activities, promote academic achievement, expand campus, career, and academic awareness, and increase knowledge and personal responsibility of civic and social issues.

• SSSMO mentors are students at The Florida State University who serve as role models for freshman students in the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement. Though most mentors are CARE students, upper level students who have not participated in the CARE program are also eligible to serve as mentors. Students desiring to become mentors should have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and 30 or more FSU credits. They should also have a documented record of community service and campus leadership experience. Each prospective mentor will be required to undergo an interview by the CARE staff.

SSSMO’s overall objectives are to increase self-esteem, confidence, and moral values, to promote an overall positive attitude towards education and to assist the CARE office in its efforts to promote and provide a means of achieving academic and social excellence among its participants.

SSSMO Mentors perform three main functions:

1. Mentors assist students in becoming acclimated to The Florida State University campus, organizations, and events.
   Mentors are encouraged to engage in campus activities with their mentees, to suggest involvement in organizations and clubs that may interest their mentees, and to keep their mentees aware of upcoming events on campus and in the Tallahassee community.
   
   
2. Mentors are responsible for serving as role models to their mentees.
   In this capacity, mentors are expected to share their personal experiences about their backgrounds, their transition from high school to college, and their future career and educational aspirations.
   
   
3. Leadership is perhaps the most important role of a SSSMO Mentor.
   Mentors are to conduct themselves in a manner that displays integrity and ethical behavior. Mentors are to expose their mentees to positive attitudes about academics, diversity, and campus life. Mentors are to be leaders and to project an image that not only distinguishes them as a leader in CARE, but also on the campus of The Florida State University.

Expectations

The most important expectation is COMMITMENT. Mentors are asked to attend and participate in all general body meetings, activities, and fundraising events organized by SSSMO.

Additional Expectations:

1. To promote academic achievement by encouraging mentees to attend class, participate in study groups, and request tutoring when necessary
2. To promote diversity by participating and encouraging participation in multicultural events
3. To exhibit tolerance to all SSSMO participants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation
4. To refrain from relationships with mentees that extend beyond friendship
5. To refrain from encouraging or assisting mentees in participating in underage drinking or drug use
6. To refrain from attending events with mentees which may be offensive or place them in danger
7. To keep conversations and discussions with your mentee confidential