Texas Tech University

Mentor Tech

two men meeting for mentorshipMentorship that makes your first year meaningful.

Transitioning to college is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. That’s where Mentor Tech comes in. Designed specifically for first-year students, Mentor Tech pairs you with a mentor to help you find your footing, build confidence, and thrive at Texas Tech.

Through personalized, one-on-one mentorship with faculty, staff, upperclassmen, or alumni, you’ll gain practical tools, social support, and real-world advice for navigating life at Texas Tech—both in and out of the classroom.

Our Purpose

Mentor Tech empowers first-year Red Raiders by guiding them through the college transition and helping them grow in four key areas:

Social Integration

Learn how to build community, make friends, navigate roommate relationships, and find your place at Texas Tech.

Academic Navigation

Discover study habits, tutoring resources, and strategies for success in and out of the classroom.

Personal Growth

Build confidence, explore your identity, and develop healthy habits for self-care, communication, and balance.

Career Preparation

Begin thinking ahead, learning professional skills, and connecting your college experience to future goals.

Want a Mentor? Start here.

Who Can Join Mentor Tech?

If you're a first-year undergrad at Texas Tech who's open to learning, growing, and getting support—this program is for you!

You don’t need to have it all figured out—just be:

  • Willing to build a one-on-one relationship with a mentor
  • Open to guidance, advice, and feedback
  • Ready to talk about college life, goals, and challenges
  • Respectful of your mentor’s time and effort
  • Committed to showing up and staying in touch

Growth takes time, and so does building trust. That’s totally normal—just come in with patience, curiosity, and an open mind.

What's Expected of You

Mentor Tech is a year-long experience that’s flexible—but still meaningful. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  • Join us for a one-time orientation
  • Meet with your mentor (in person or virtually) at least once a month
  • Fill out a quick mentor check-in form each month
  • Keep things professional and respectful in your communication
  • Let the Mentor Tech team know if you ever need extra support

You’ll also be invited to optional social and professional development meetup events led by the Student Engagement Peer Mentor team. 

What You'll Get Out of It

  • Real Talk & Support
    Get advice and encouragement from someone who gets it.
  • New Skills & Confidence
    Learn how to study smarter, set goals, talk to professors, and handle challenges.
  • Personal Growth
    Explore who you are and who you want to be—inside and outside the classroom.
  • Career Tips & Networking
    Connect with people who can help you move forward in college and beyond.

FAQs: What You Might Be Wondering

Questions students often ask before joining Mentor Tech

  • What if I’m nervous about signing up?
    That’s totally normal!
    Starting college is a big transition, and lots of students feel unsure at first. Your mentor isn’t here to quiz you or tell you what to do—they’re here to support you, talk things through, and help you figure things out at your own pace. You don’t have to be perfect—just open to the experience.
  • How do I get matched with a mentor?
    When you fill out the interest form, we’ll ask you a few questions about your interests, goals, and what kind of support you’re looking for. Then, we’ll match you with a mentor who can relate to your experience and help guide you through your first year.
  • Who are the mentors?
    Mentors are Texas Tech faculty, staff, or upper-level students who volunteer to support first-year students. They come from all different backgrounds, and they’re here because they want to help you succeed.
  • What will we talk about?
    Anything that’s helpful for you!
    That might include study habits, navigating campus, roommate situations, finding tutoring, talking to professors, or just adjusting to college life. Your mentor is there to listen, offer advice, and help you feel more confident.
  • How much time does this take?
    You’ll meet with your mentor at least once a month (virtually or in person), fill out a quick interaction form once a month, and attend a one-time orientation. Most students find it’s less than 1–2 hours per month total.
  • Are there events I have to attend?
    No required events, but you’ll be invited to social and professional development meetups throughout the semester. These are a fun way to meet other students, learn useful skills, and connect with your mentor in a relaxed setting.
  • What if I don’t connect with my mentor?
    That’s okay! If something doesn’t feel like a good fit, just let the Mentor Tech team know and we’ll help find you a new match. We want this to be a positive experience for you.
  • Is it free to join Mentor Tech?
    Yes—100% free. There’s no cost to join, meet with your mentor, or attend any of the meetups or workshops.

Ready to Get Started?

Joining Mentor Tech is easy—and it can make a big difference in your first year.

Here’s how to get started:

    • Fill out the Mentee Interest Form
      Tell us a bit about yourself, your goals, and what kind of support you’re looking for.
    • Attend a One-Time Orientation
      We’ll walk you through what to expect and help you feel confident before your first meeting.
    • Get Matched with a Mentor
      We’ll connect you with a faculty, staff, student, or alumni mentor who’s here to support your success.
    • Start Meeting and Growing
      You’ll connect with your mentor at least once a month and get guidance on everything from classes to campus life.

You don’t have to do college alone.

Your mentor is here to help you feel supported, connected, and ready for what’s ahead.

👉 Join Mentor Tech as a Mentee
🎯 Priority Deadline: Sunday, September 7, 2025
    Apply by this date for the best chance at a timely match and to access the full orientation and welcome experience. We’ll continue accepting mentee applications beyond that date as availability allows—so don’t hesitate to sign up even if you’re running a little behind.

Want to be a Mentor? Start here.

Who Can Be a Mentor?

Mentor Tech mentors are faculty, staff, upper-level students, or alumni who care deeply about supporting Red Raiders through their first year.

You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers. If you’ve ever faced a challenge, figured out how to ask for help, or learned something the hard way—you’ve got what it takes to be a mentor.

Great mentors:

  • Care about student success and well-being
  • Are open to sharing personal experiences and advice
  • Know how to listen, ask questions, and encourage growth
  • Can adapt to the needs of a student figuring things out
  • Communicate respectfully and consistently

Empathy, curiosity, and follow-through go a long way.

What's Expected of Mentors

Mentoring is meaningful—but not overwhelming. We keep it simple so you can focus on the relationship, not the logistics.

As a mentor, you’ll:

  • Commit to mentoring for one academic year
  • Meet with your mentee(s) at least once per month (virtually or in person)
  • Complete one training (virtual or in-person)
  • Submit a short interaction form after each meeting
  • Keep communication respectful, supportive, and professional
  • Let us know if your mentee needs additional university support

*Faculty/Staff Mentors: Please complete required Raider Success Hub training and remain FERPA-compliant.

What Mentors Get in Return

  • Personal Fulfillment
    Make a difference in a student’s life by simply showing up and sharing your journey.
  • Skill Building
    Strengthen your leadership, listening, coaching, and communication skills.
  • New Perspectives
    Learn from your mentee as much as they learn from you—especially about what today’s students are navigating.
  • Recognition & Growth
    Mentors are celebrated for their service and are invited to participate in campus events and professional development.
  • A Lasting Impact
    You don’t just answer questions—you help someone feel seen, capable, and connected.

Mentor FAQs

Questions mentors often ask before joining Mentor Tech:

What if I’ve never been a mentor before?
That’s totally okay—and actually pretty common!
We’ll give you everything you need to get started, including training, a guidebook with conversation tips, and support from the Mentor Tech team throughout the semester. You don’t have to be perfect or have all the answers—just be willing to listen, share, and show up.

How does the matching process work?
When you sign up, we’ll ask about your background, interests, availability, and preferences. Based on that, we’ll match you with a first-year student who’s looking for support, connection, and guidance.
Our goal is to create matches that feel natural and helpful, and if anything isn’t working—we’ll help with a rematch.

How much time does this take?
Mentorship is designed to fit your schedule. You’ll meet with your mentee at least once a month (virtually or in person), complete a short interaction form afterward, and stay in touch. Most mentors spend less than 2 hours per month.

Can I mentor more than one student?
Yes! If you’re open to it, you can let us know you’re available to support more than one mentee.

Do I need to attend events with my mentee?
It’s not required, but it’s encouraged!
Mentors are always welcome to join their mentee for social and professional development meetups. These are great chances to bond, connect in a relaxed setting, and support your mentee’s growth outside of one-on-one meetings.

What if I don’t connect with my mentee?
No worries—that happens sometimes!
Just reach out to the Mentor Tech team and we’ll work with you to find a better fit. We want the experience to be meaningful and beneficial for both of you.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a Mentor Tech mentor is simple—and impactful.

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Fill out the Mentor Interest Form
    Tell us a little about yourself, your interests, and your availability.
  2. Complete a One-Time Training
    Choose a virtual or in-person session to get familiar with our tools, expectations, and how to support your mentee.
  3. Get Matched with a Mentee
    We’ll pair you with a student who’s in their first year at Texas Tech and ready to learn from your experience.
  4. Start Connecting
    You’ll meet with your mentee once a month and help them navigate college life, one conversation at a time.
    You don’t have to be an expert—just someone who cares.
    Help a student feel seen, supported, and confident in their first year.
👉 Join Mentor Tech as a Mentor
🎯 Priority Deadline: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Submit your interest form by this date for the best chance of being matched early and receiving full training opportunities. We will continue to accept mentor applications after this deadline as space allows, so feel free to reach out even if the date has passed!

✨ Ready to Make the Most of Your First Year?
Become a Mentee.

Get connected, feel supported, and grow into the Red Raider you're meant to be. Mentor Tech will match you with someone who’s been where you are and can help you thrive in college and beyond.

👉 Join as a Mentee

 

💡 Want to Make a Difference?
Become a Mentor.

Be a guide, a listener, and a support system for a first-year student navigating the ups and downs of college life. We’ll provide all the training and tools you need—just bring your passion for student success.

👉 Sign Up to Be a Mentor

Student Engagement