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Alianza Bigs & Littles Mentoring Program

Program Overview The Alianza Bigs & Littles Mentoring Program is intended to provide new students with the opportunity to learn from an established member of the Hispanic/Latino community at Northwestern University. The program serves to facilitate the transition for new students and promote community. Moreover, it aims to provide underclassmen with academic, career, and social support in order to place them on the fast track to success. The program is set up so that new students (Littles) are paired with mentors (Bigs) that function as a resource by helping them accomplish academic, personal, and professional goals. Bigs can share personal experiences, advice, and provide some perspective to life at Northwestern. Additionally, they serve as middlemen between new students and all that Northwestern has to offer. Bigs may contribute in a variety of ways so that new students can have a positive experience during their time at Northwestern. They are to encourage new students to take advantage of the array of opportunities, resources, and networks within and beyond the Hispanic/Latino community. Furthermore, Bigs will help Littles discover what they want to accomplish during their time at college and how they will contribute to the Northwestern Hispanic/Latino community and the greater Northwestern community as well. Matching The application asks a series of questions to better understand each students personal background. The process of matching Bigs with Littles is based on academic, career, and leisure interests. Typically, this program seeks mentors that are upperclassmen. However, sophomores are encouraged to apply to be mentors as well. It should be noted that matching Bigs with Littles is not a perfect process. Although we do our best to honor the preferences of all program participants, we cannot guarantee that all preferences will be met. Meeting Your Mentor (Big) As soon as the matching process is completed, Bigs will be notified of who their Littles are. However, we ask that Bigs maintain secrecy. Alianza will host a revelatory dinner shortly after where Littles will, once and for all, meet their Bigs. The event will be very informal. It is set up as an opportunity for Bigs and Littles to mingle. Thereafter, Alianza will host events throughout the school year and encourage Bigs and Littles to attend. Some events will be catered to members of the program while other events will simply be Alianza general events where all Alianza constituents are able to attend. Bigs are expected to maintain contact with their Littles. At the same time, Littles are also encouraged to reach out to their Bigs should they ever need guidance. We would like to stress that the Big-Little relationship does not necessarily have to be formal. As stated above, this
Contact Alianza on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlianzaTheHispanicLatinoStudentAlliance Or contact the current (2012-2013) co-presidents if you have any questions: Carlos Martinez: CMartinez@u.northwestern.edu Lucia Leon: Leon.Lucia8@gmail.com

program is also meant to promote community. Therefore, we hope that Bigs and Littles can develop an amicable relationship. In addition, the Big-Little relationship lasts throughout your time at Northwestern University and beyond. In concurrence with our goal to provide career support, we ask Bigs upon graduating to maintain a relationship with their Little and provide them with professional guidance if possible. Mentee (Little) Expectations By participating in the program, Littles can expect the following: Relationships with people who care about them and are willing to help them have the best college experience possible. Insight into opportunities, resources, and networks to enhance their college experience. Opportunities to meet other students. Skills associated with building a strong, cohesive network.

As participants in the program, mentees will be expected to maintain: Active participation during all of fall quarter. Active participation beyond fall is highly encouraged. Consistent communication with their mentors. A positive attitude about new opportunities and experiences.

Interested in Applying? Prerequisites for Mentors (Bigs): Must have a 2.8 GPA upon applying Must be involved in at least one student organization on campus, outside of Alianza Must have a sincere passion for helping underclassmen and new students succeed at Northwestern University and beyond

Prerequisites for Mentees (Littles): All new students (freshmen and transfers) and current underclassmen (sophomores) are encouraged to apply

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE OCTOBER 28TH AT 11:59 PM!

Contact Alianza on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AlianzaTheHispanicLatinoStudentAlliance Or contact the current (2012-2013) co-presidents if you have any questions: Carlos Martinez: CMartinez@u.northwestern.edu Lucia Leon: Leon.Lucia8@gmail.com