Messina Mentor Information

• Download the Messina Mentor Information Sheet
• Complete the 2026-2027 Messina Mentor Application (for new applicants)
• Complete the 2026-2027 Messina Mentor Intent to Return Form (for current Messina Mentors)

I. Requirements of Administrators and Staff Members Participating in Messina

• Have, in most cases, one year of experience working at Loyola before the Messina academic year begins.  
• Have the endorsement of their supervisor to attend one to two enrichment hours each week during the workday (planned in cooperation with your faculty partners and Messina Evergreen).
• Take the lead on planning at least 3-4 Enrichment Sessions and attend enrichment sessions (including events and off-campus excursions) for each class
• Participate for at least one academic year. Additional years may be negotiated in consultation with supervisors, office directors and the Messina Director.
• Possess a willingness to work as part of a collaborative working group of faculty members, administrators, staff members and student leaders.
• Participate in Messina assessment initiatives.

II. Expectations for first- time Mentors during the 2025-2026 Academic Year (Preparation Year)

• Prepare for Messina participation by attending a variety of scheduled training sessions,  
• workshops and small group meetings (about one per month beginning in January 2026).  Training sessions will take place in large groups, as well as smaller, self-directed informal working group settings.
• Read the Messina Handbook and related e-mail communication.
• Attend a New Mentor workshop in Late May or Mid-summer (dates, times, and locations TBD)
• Submit a brief bio for inclusion on the Messina website.

III. Expectations during the 2026-2027 Academic Year

Note:  Some administrators who participate in Messina will work with two faculty members and two Messina Evergreens to plan enrichment activities in and out of the classroom for two seminar sections consisting of 15-17 students each semester.  Other administrators will be asked to collaborate with one faculty member and one Messina Evergreen to plan enrichment activities inside and outside of the classroom for one seminar group consisting of 15-17 students over the course of two semesters.

• Participate in a professional learning community of faculty, administrators, and student peer leaders participating in Messina  
  • Summer Commitments:
    • Participate in aspects of summer orientation relevant to the Messina advising model
    • Attend a workshop/planning day the week before the fall semester begins to review syllabi and coordinate first week and/or orientation interactions
    • Attend fall orientation/Welcome Week events coordinated in conjunction with Messina and the Office of New Student and Family Programs. 
  • In preparation for Fall and Spring Semesters:
    • Meet with working group members to discuss progress of the class and enrichment sessions. Attend Enrichment Curriculum launch meetings in April and November to learn about required components for enrichment sessions. 
    • Meet with working group members to discuss program goals and outcomes. Meet with working group to plan enrichment sessions for the upcoming semester and submit enrichment plan for approval to the Messina Team.  
    • Participate in ongoing planning and communication on a weekly basis.  
    • Submit Early Intervention Check-In reports for any students exhibiting concerning behaviors, attendance issues, mental health concerns, etc.
• Collaborate on the Planning and Implementation of Enrichment Sessions
  • Discuss connections of courses and co-curricular activities to support interdisciplinary connections. 
  • Integrate enrichment sessions into course syllabi in accordance to the Enrichment Curriculum developed by the Messina team.
  • Attend and assist in the facilitation of 5-6 enrichment sessions per semester (totaling 8-15 hours of interaction with your students) for each seminar class. 
• Discuss student conduct and retention issues (when they arise) with students connected to enrichment hours and assist in students’ reflection process.
• Empower participants (faculty, administrators, and students) to notice and address student concerns and refer to appropriate resources when necessary. 
• Provide feedback to Messina by participating in program evaluations, surveys, and other assessment efforts.