The Mentor Program is design to create a comfortable campus lifestyle that promotes informal interaction and fosters conversations between student-athletes and mentors to provides more opportunities for student-athletes to get together socially. It will help establish and enforce standards of conduct for all student-athletes and staff, which will project a positive image for WSU. This program will also help maintain an environment that fosters a positive relationship between the student-athlete and faculty and staff of the Athletic Department and WSU population. Our goal is to become a community that fosters and encourages academic and personal growth for minority student-athletes and creates a cultural climate where diversity is a valued and natural part of the campus community infrastructure.

Student-athletes face various challenges. The Mentor Program understands that student-athletes have normal academic course load and train many hours during the day. This program will help promote and reinforce skills necessary for high transitional achievement and personal growth. The program will provide a welcoming atmosphere, recognizes the value of all people regardless of differences, and provide them with a meaningful and positive college experience.

A strong and effective college experience is built upon personal relationships between mentor and student-athlete. Obviously, the ability to create a rapport that leads to mutual respect and trust is paramount in the establishment of these relationships.

It is the goal of this program to help students develop a deeper understanding of their own learning processes as well as human relations skills, which can enhance their success by encouraging positive attitudes and motivating them to be the best in physical fitness, academic development, and moral character. Student athletes will grow when given opportunities, support, and feedback. Effective mentorship can help them maximize their individual strengths in decision-making will ensure their success.