ACCESS

Bridging Universal Inclusion & Leadership Development (BUILD)

Overview of Program

Transitioning from high school to college can be especially difficult for students with disabilities. To address this difficult transition, mentoring programs have proven to be an effective approach to bridge the gap between institutional environments. Mentorship has been shown to improve academic attendance and performance, improve self-determination and provide access to a positive role model. With this in mind, ACCESS has developed a mentoring program to provide both formal and informal interpersonal mentorship to address the need for guidance in navigating the lived experiences of diverse learners. 

BUILD is specifically designed to take diverse learners from admission to graduation and beyond with early outreach to discuss transition from high school to college-level accommodations, tailored guidance through higher education, and skills development exercises to prepare for graduation and post-secondary employment. Student participants will be paired with supportive mentors and take part in several engagement activities designed to heighten authentic and successful partnerships rooted in appreciative inquiry, empathy and active listening. Partnerships will be carefully selected on the basis of factors such as diagnosis/disability, academic discipline or personal interests.  

Mentors meet with students on a regular basis and assist students in strategizing about the complexities of university life. Specifically, the BUILD mentor will aid students in goal setting, self-advocacy, academic preparedness and self-care.

This one-on-one interpersonal involvement with faculty and staff members promotes inclusiveness to the University and a better understanding of the University community.

BUILD program works to fulfill four main objectives:

1. Assist students in understanding the expectations and academic challenges of higher education.
2. Provide tools so that students understand their strengths and limitations and believe themselves to be capable and effective.
3. Retain a population of diverse learners through the attainment of academic success, including recognition and encouragement for scholars who demonstrate academic excellence.
4. Support the acquisition of leadership skills through guided reflection, open dialogue, coaching strategies, and focused learning conversations.

Benefits to Faculty and Staff Mentors

• Participation in this program is considered to be service to the University and may be used by faculty in pursuit of tenure
• Faculty and staff members contribute to the retention of the University
• Faculty and staff engagement will contribute to the University Diversity Plan
• Involvement might spark further research interest into the academic success of students with disabilities due to faculty and staff engagement

Benefits to Student Mentees

• Opportunities to network with peers, faculty and staff
• Acquire effective strategies from mentors that can be useful during their university experience (e.g., test-taking strategies, study habits, occupational advice)
• Inclusion in social and professional activities within the mentorship program
• A supportive environment to discuss issues and concerns
• Programming designed to engage participants in leadership and civic activities
• Guidance and support that leads to timely graduation and exceptional career preparation

Program Trainings

• Faculty and staff will undergo dynamic training through the efforts of ACCESS
• Cross cultural training for students, faculty and staff will be available through online venues

Program Events

• Faculty and staff meet-and-greet reception
• Civic Engagement Day
• Ice Cream Social
• Pizza Party Social
• Reception to acknowledge the success of the mentor and mentee relationships

Sign up here to become a Mentor or Student Mentee in the BUILD Program.

If you have questions, please contact:  

ACCESS
[email protected]
618-650-3726