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<p>Incoming Delaware Law students have a lot of support systems in place to help them succeed, including a program created just for them by upper class students.</p>
<p>The Student Bar Association spearheads a Student Mentoring Program each year that pairs incoming students looking to make connections with upper class students who are willing to give their time and guidance to first-year colleagues.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s someone can you can go to for advice, support and guidance,&rdquo; said SBA Secretary Liz Miosi, who co-chairs the program with Chloe Mannings, SBA vice president of student affairs and alumni relations.</p>
<p>Mannings, a 3L, said she has seen friendships and productive relationships blossom between mentors and mentees. Last year a new student requested a mentor who was deeply motivated. He was paired with a successful upper class student who has provided career advice and steered him toward extra-curricular activities that support his career goals.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I tell them your mentors are there as much as you need them,&rdquo; Mannings said.</p>
<p>To date, the SBA has more than 60 mentors lined up to advise interested 1Ls. Volunteers are still being accepted, and those who fulfill the service role can receive pro bono credit toward commencement recognition.</p>
<p>Miosi and Mannings said they take applications from both mentees and mentors, which list things like where they attended undergrad and what they studied, what kind of law interests them, where they worked before law school if that applies, special requests and more. Applications are available on TWEN.<br /> <br /> Student leaders take care in matching mentors and mentees who are a sensible fit. Once paired, the duos are encouraged to communicate as often as necessary, and join in periodic mixer events.</p>
<p>&ldquo;This program is an outstanding example of how our students support one another. It helps new students feel welcome and shows them they are not alone, and it gives the upper class students a chance to make a difference for their peers. It&rsquo;s rewarding to watch it unfold,&rdquo; said Associate Dean for Student Affairs Susan Goldberg.</p>
<p>Students aren&rsquo;t the only ones who promote mentoring. The Career Development Office also facilitates an Alumni Mentoring Program for first-year law students seeking role models from the legal community. The program is designed to create and nurture relationships between alumni and new law students. Interested students can <a href="ipl://51//W10=">register online</a> from Sept. 14 to 21.</p>