SMART Mentoring
Established in 1994, the Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent (SMART) program is a key initiative of Elon University’s Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education. SMART is designed to support all first-year and transfer students, particularly those from historically marginalized groups, in their transition to Elon, fostering social engagement, academic success, and a strong sense of belonging.
The program is open to all students regardless of race and ethnicity and focuses its recruitment efforts on ALANAM (African-American/Black, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American/American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Multiracial) students. SMART is committed to providing an inclusive environment that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of a person’s identity.
The Four Pillars of SMART:
Why Join SMART?
The transition from high school to college can be a complex process. Many students experience challenges such as adapting to new responsibilities, time management, and navigating a new university culture. SMART is designed to help first-year and transfer students of all backgrounds thrive during this transformative time by providing intentional mentorship, community-building, and academic support.
Our mentors, student coordinators, and staff carefully plan events centered around academic success, identity exploration, and cultural awareness to ensure that all mentees feel a sense of belonging and are equipped for success at Elon—academically, socially, and professionally.
Information for Mentors:
Application Deadline for SMART Mentors was March 14th, 2025.
Information for Mentees:
For more information, contact Daniela Maldonado, SMART Student Lead (dmaldonado2@elon.edu), or visit CREDE in Moseley 221.