The SMART Mentoring Program
(Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent)

Established in 1994, the Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent (S.M.A.R.T.) program is a key initiative of Elon University’s Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education. This program has a 30 year legacy of easing the transition of students to Elon, with a focus on ALANAM (African-American/Black, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American/American Indian, Alaskan Native, Multiracial)students, and enhances the social engagement and academic success of first-year and transfer students. Through the SMART program students will:

  • Examine personal beliefs, identities, purpose, and culture.  This includes developing social skills, empathy,communication abilities and emotional intelligence
  •  Celebrate the cultural diversity and heritage of its participants, fostering mutual respect and understanding among different cultural groups. It links students with Elon and the surrounding communities, encouraging engagement that builds a strong sense of belonging, meaningful interactions, and authentic relationships.
  •  Obtain tools to see themselves as capable college scholars, ready to seize academic opportunities. This empowerment guides them toward realizing their full potential and making meaningful contributions to their academic community and beyond.
  • Identify their future goals and develop the skills needed to achieve them. By leveraging connections with alumni and partnerships with the Student Professional Development Center, SMART prepares participants for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter after leaving Elon.

Why Should I Join SMART?

The transition from high school to college can be a complicated process. Students, particularly from ALANAM populations, experience challenges that may affect their sense of connectedness and belonging. Some common struggles include being away from home for the first time, adapting to new responsibilities and time commitments, as well as adapting to a new university culture.

The SMART program is designed to help first-year and transfer students of all interests, majors, and identities address these challenges during this transformative time in their lives. For many students in these communities, intentional support through peer, faculty and staff mentoring is critical to making sure students feel supported and can succeed in their undergraduate experiences; academically, socially, and professionally. Our Mentors, Student Coordinators, and staff intentionally plan events centered around academic success, community-building, and identity celebration and awareness to ensure mentees feel a sense of belonging on Elon’s campus and are set up for success.

Click Here for Student Perspectives on the SMART Program

Become Involved in SMART!

Do you want to be a Mentee?

If you would like to become a mentee, please complete the registration form by September 20th 2:00pm.

Do you want to be a Mentor?

If you are a rising sophomore, junior or senior and interested in serving as a SMART Mentor during the 2023-2024 academic year, please complete the SMART Mentor application or contact Sylvia Muñoz at munozs@elon.edu for more information.