S.T.A.R.S. Program
Since 1986, the Department of of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs has coordinated the S.T.A.R.S. Program (Students Together Reaching Are Reaching Success) to support the retention and success of Loyola students.
The program connects First Year mentees, particularly underrepresented and commuter students, with upper-class peer mentors as a means of providing opportunities to acclimate to the Loyola community and Chicago area, as well as to develop the personal, academic, social and cultural experiences through programming and tutoring. The STARS mentors work to establish a safe and supportive environment for mentees to meet, discuss and share with one another, and to foster cross-cultural learning and identity development for participants.
With sponsorship from the Siragusa Foundation, STARS also works to continually assess the needs of First Year students at Loyola and prepare its participants to lead and serve the Loyola community and beyond.
S.T.A.R.S. Mentors - See pics of the 2007-2008 Staff
MENTORING AND SERVICES
Mentoring - By joining the S.T.A.R.S. Program, first-year students are paired up with a successful, upper-class mentor who helps you manage your way through the first year of your college experience, connects you to the campus community, and assists you with finding the opportunities that best fit your interests and needs. Mentors hold office hours, study tables, and other programs to connect with you and establish lasting, positive relationships with you.
Advocacy – In conjunction with STARS mentors, the Department of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs' staff provides advocacy to students who may have personal or academic issues related to a situation or an experience they've had on campus. Department staff members can help individual students and student groups who may experience marginalization within the community or on campus.
Advising – Your mentor can connect you to a member of the Department of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs staff who can provide one-on-one advising sessions for you regarding your personal, vocational, and social concerns and needs.
Tutoring – STARS works directly with the Tutoring Center to find the appropriate workshops or tutoring needs that may benefit students' academic needs and development.
Referrals – STARS mentors and Department staff are connected to various other departments on campus including the Wellness Center, Residence Life, and Student Financial Services. Students who have general questions or concerns can utilize mentors and the Department staff to connect them with the appropriate department or individual on campus.
GENERAL ACTIVITIES – Fall Semester
STARS Open House – After the Campus Organizational Fair, meet up with the Department of Student Diversity's staff and the STARS mentors to find out more about our program, meet other students, eat, and have some fun!
STARS Kick-off – Now that the STARS Mentors have helped you acclimate to Loyola’s campus, it’s time to explore the city a bit! Come out for a fun evening of competition, prizes and Family-style Dinner.
STARS Search Talent Show & Fundraiser – This is for anyone to show off their talent. Dance, sing, do stand-up, or anything else, as celebrity judges comment about your act and pick winners. All funds raised go to UNICEF.
Registration Workshop – Learn the ins and outs of course registration! STARS Mentors and Academic Advisors will break down the registration process, review core requirements and help you find classes.
Thanksgiving Dinner – Celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner early with STARS! STARS mentors and Diversity staff prepare dinner for participants in anticipation of the holiday.
STARS Career Search – It’s never too early to think about the Real World… Now’s a great time to explore internships and build up that resume! Camille Helkowski, Associate Director of Loyola’s Career Development Center, offers guidance on major declaration and employment opportunities.
Desserts in December – Join us as STARS and BMI celebrate the winter holidays and learn about other cultural winter traditions! Co-sponsored by Judicial Affairs, the Wellness Center, the Black Cultural Center and Aramark, this year’s event offers great desserts and games to relax before finals.
GENERAL ACTIVITIES – Spring Semester
STARS Spring Fling – Come out and join the festivities as we celebrate the return of good weather and good time!
Taking Academics out of the Classroom – Participants have a chance to learn about academic opportunities Loyola can offer them outside of the classroom, including research scholarships, internships and study abroad.
The Road to Success – This is a great chance to learn more about the opportunities for employment on and off campus, particularly for the summer months. Speakers will talk about their roads travelled and how participants can get on the right track to their dream jobs.
STARS Beach Clean Up – Gear up for Earth Day! Come join STARS as we clean up the Loyola beach and enjoy a dinner together.
High School STARS – Along with Diversity Council and Admissions Office, STARS offers this day-long college awareness conference for community high school juniors. Students attend class, eat meals in the dining halls, and attend events with college student hosts.
ALL-STARS Luncheon - To end a great year, STARS mentors organize a dinner social for mentees as well as SuperSTARS mentors to recognize the academic achievements of program participants.
SUPERSTARS
Since the first-year experience is not the only challenging time during a Loyola student's college career, it is essential that we support all of our students in their unique challenges. Understanding that our STARS mentors are not immune to challenges themselves, the SuperSTARS component to the STARS program provides each mentor with their own faculty/staff mentor. These SuperSTAR mentors are encouraged to meet with their assigned STARS mentor on a consistent basis throughout the year to provide support and advice. Our SuperSTARS mentors are often those who are a part of our Allies Initiative. For faculty and staff who are interested in becoming a SuperSTARS mentor, please contact Risë Nelson Burrow at rnelsonburrow@luc.edu.