What is the Student Disability Services Student Adjustment and Mentoring
Program (STAMP)?
We understand the challenges and obstacles incoming freshmen face, not only as students
with disabilities, but also as part of the new student population at Texas Tech. We also
recognize the unique struggles students on academic probation face to get back on track
to success at Texas Tech.
The mission of Texas Tech’s Student Disability Services (SDS) STAMP is to provide
support to students, including first-year students and those on academic probation. Our
department wants the learning experience to extend beyond the classroom; STAMP
offers this learning through interaction with a peer mentor and program activities.
At Texas Tech, we want students to ask themselves, “Where will I leave my mark?”
Why Is Mentoring Important?
Mentoring benefits both the mentor and the mentee; the mentor gains both experience
helping a fellow student and volunteer experience, while the mentee gains a support
system for his/her life at Texas Tech and beyond. By helping a fellow SDS student, the
mentor becomes more invested in and involved with the Texas Tech community.
Through this program, the mentee is able to have the support he/she needs as a student
with a disability at Texas Tech.
Activities for Participants
Although each mentoring relationship is different, there are a variety of activities for
mentees and mentors, including STAMP facilitated discussion groups. Some meet for
lunch; others e-mail on a regular basis; some attend university events together, such as
football games or theatrical performances. Mentors are involved in goal setting with their
mentees and can refer mentees to other campus resources as needed. They also serve as a
sounding board for mentees and can discuss academic and campus life challenges. This
program offers a number of events throughout the year that participants can attend
together.
Who Can Participate?
Mentors are junior or senior students from the SDS office that have the experience and
knowledge needed to support and encourage the new or struggling SDS student. Our
mentors serve as role models, guides and sources of reference for their mentees.
Mentees can be any SDS student needing extra guidance and who wish to have another
resource as they deal with the issues of being a student with a disability at Texas Tech.
Requirements of the Program:
• The interested student must complete an application that will be used when
matching mentors with mentees.
• Mentors and mentees must attend the Welcome Event at the beginning of each
semester.
• Mentors and mentees must attend at least two SDS workshops together each
semester.
• The mentor and mentee must have a face-to-face meeting at least once every two
weeks. These meetings can include, but are not limited to, coffee at a coffee
shop, a meeting in the Student Union Building, or a meal.
• The mentor and mentee must have contact via e-mail or phone call once every
week. These specific types of contact are used as a type of check-in for the
mentor to see how the mentee is doing.
• Mentors should set goals with their students for the year, not only in terms of
academics but socially as well (examples include self advocacy, extracurricular
involvement, sports, etc.)
• At the conclusion of the semester/year, the mentor and mentee will each fill out
an evaluation of the program and each other.
How to Get Involved
How to Receive a Mentor:
Incoming or current Texas Tech students registered with SDS may obtain an application
from the Student Disability Services office in room 335 West Hall, or by clicking here.
How to Become a Mentor:
To become a mentor, contact Student Disability Services or click here for the application.
After receiving your completed application, we will make arrangements for matches and keep
you informed of all program activities. |
