SMART Mentor Logo

Established in 1994, the Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent (SMART) program is a key initiative of Elon University’s Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education. SMART is designed to support all first-year and transfer students, particularly those from historically marginalized groups,  in their transition to Elon, fostering social engagement, academic success, and a strong sense of belonging.

The program is open to all students regardless of race and ethnicity and focuses its recruitment efforts on ALANAM (African-American/Black, Latinx/Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American/American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Multiracial) students. SMART is committed to providing an inclusive environment that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other aspect of a person’s identity.

The Four Pillars of SMART:

Personal Development

SMART encourages participants to examine personal beliefs, identities, purpose, and culture.  This includes developing social skills, empathy, communication abilities and emotional intelligence. ​

Social Development

SMART emphasizes its participants’ cultural diversity and heritage, fostering mutual respect and understanding among different cultural groups. It connects students with Elon and surrounding communities, promoting engagement that cultivates a strong sense of belonging, meaningful interactions and authentic relationships.​

Academic Development

SMART empowers students to view themselves as capable college scholars ready to pursue and take advantage of academic opportunities. This empowerment sets them on a path to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their academic community and beyond.  ​

Professional Development

SMART helps students identify their goals for the future and hone the skills necessary to accomplish professional goals. SMART utilizes connections and partnerships with alumni groups along with the Student Professional Development Center to prepare participants for the challenges and opportunities that come with life after Elon.​

Why Join SMART?

The transition from high school to college can be a complex process. Many students experience challenges such as adapting to new responsibilities, time management, and navigating a new university culture. SMART is designed to help first-year and transfer students of all backgrounds thrive during this transformative time by providing intentional mentorship, community-building, and academic support.

Our mentors, student coordinators, and staff carefully plan events centered around academic success, identity exploration, and cultural awareness to ensure that all mentees feel a sense of belonging and are equipped for success at Elon—academically, socially, and professionally.

Information for Mentors:

    Application Deadline for SMART Mentors was March 14th, 2025.

    Through the SMART Program, Students Will:

    • Explore Personal Identity & Growth – Engage in self-reflection on their beliefs, identities, purpose, and culture while developing social skills, empathy, communication abilities, and emotional intelligence.
    • Celebrate Cultural Diversity – Foster mutual respect and understanding by embracing the cultural heritage of all participants.
    • Build Meaningful Connections – Strengthen ties with Elon and the surrounding community, cultivating authentic relationships and a sense of belonging.
    • Develop Academic Confidence – Gain tools to see themselves as capable scholars, empowered to seize academic opportunities and reach their full potential.
    • Prepare for the Future – Set goals and build essential skills for success beyond Elon, leveraging alumni connections and resources from the Student Professional Development Center.

    Smart Mentor Expectations

    • Attend mandatory spring and summer training to strengthen academic mentoring skills.
    • Commit to at least 1 hour or more per week to mentor/mentee engagement.
    • Attend at least 2 SMART events per semester.
    • Actively participate during mentee recruitment (SMART week) at the beginning of the semester.
    • Each student mentor will have 1 to 2 mentees.
    • Participate in 1 mandatory mentor meeting with SMART families, CREDE staff, and coordinators.
    • Complete program assessments and self-evaluations each semester.

    Spring Training Date:  TBD 
    Summer Training Dates 

    • Wednesday August 20th (2:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
    • Thursday August 21st (9:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
    • Assist with Move-in Day on August 22nd.

    Mentor Benefits

    • $350 stipend ($175 per semester).
    • Leadership, communication, and mentoring experience that strengthens personal, academic, and professional skills.
    • A close-knit, culturally enriching community that fosters lifelong connections.

    Information for Mentees:

    For more information, contact Daniela Maldonado, SMART Student Lead (dmaldonado2@elon.edu), or visit CREDE in Moseley 221.