USS Mentoring Program came about as a student effort. Through the program, students can learn about research opportunities, career options, academic opportunities, and more about their field.
Students are paired up with a faculty member in their department or department of interest, a staff, or an alumni. Additionally, we host quarterly socials to allow students and mentors to interact with one another in a friendly environment.
As part of this program, you are also eligible to apply for a scholarship that supports research
opportunities and/or career development.
We have close to 30 Faculty Mentors for 2021-2022 academic year.
Mentees Testimonies
"I was given a lot of advice on what to expect after college and given resources to help better me as a professional."
-Student Mentee
"One take away was definitely the concept of striving to continue my education, not allowing myself to feel back my immigrant status."
-Student Mentee
"I wanted to see if this could allow me to get more experience talking to faculty and planning out what I wanted to do after college."
-Student Mentee
"I wanted to find support and be open about my struggles in a place where I do not have to fear about giving too much information.
I felt accepted and in a place where I felt safe."-Student Mentee
"I joined this program to facilitate the chances of me overcoming this advantage by getting to know professors at a personal level. Additionally, the fact that these are professors that understand and support our legal status and all the uncertainties that come with that was very comforting."
-Student Mentee
"You are paired with a faculty member in your field, which have already made it, thus they can guide you through the process. I was paired with Kathy Foltz, a professor in the MCDB department and she provided me with invaluable mentorship and guidance. I don't think I would have gotten it if I was not in the program."
-Student Mentee
"The Faculty Membership Program will open up a lot of opportunities for undocumented students. Students are not only being mentored by a faculty member, but they are also networking. Internships or even job opportunities can come up from talking or being directed to the right person. On top of that, they are meeting students that share similar experiences. It's crucial for students to find a support system here on campus, and that can eventually spark into one or many friendships."
-Student Mentee
"I got to meet people that are under similar circumstances as myself. I became knowledgeable about how to succeed and college and how to prepare myself once I am out of college. I learned the importance of networking and that becoming familiar with people who are in the profession I want to pursue is significantly important."
-Student Mentee
"You are paired with a faculty member in your field, which have already made it, thus they can guide you through the process. I was paired with Kathy Foltz, a professor in the MCDB department and she provided me with invaluable mentorship and guidance. I don't think I would have gotten it if I was not in the program."
-Student Mentee
Faculty Mentors Testimonies
Our faculty shared their experience on why they wanted to become a mentor for our program and why the program is so beneficial...
Silvia Bermúdez
Spanish & Portuguese Department
What made me become a mentor for undocumented students as part of the Faculty Mentorship Program was learning about the plight and hardships of students in my courses.
Armand Kuris
Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology Department
I am first-generation and my family's experience informs my great concern for these students. For students, this program helps by showing that they are not alone and that this big institution (UCSB) cares about them.
Cristina Venegas
Film and Media Studies Department
I became a mentor for undocumented students as part of the Faculty Mentorship Program because I want to support the work of tenacious students and their families. It is beneficial because there is great strength in being part of a group of students with common goals.
Emanuel Vespa
Economics Department
I was aware that the university provides resources to undocumented students, but I wanted to make sure, in particular, that any undocumented student who wanted to study economics knew that there is somebody they can talk to in this department. I am available in case there were any questions/issues where I can be of help.