Rising Scholars

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Welcome

Rising Scholars is a weekly 30-minute meeting with a peer-mentor at NDSU. The program is open to all NDSU undergraduate students and you can join any time. Our mentors seek to provide support to any student at NDSU at any stage of their education. Our mentors are specifically trained on connecting students to resources on campus, building study skills, and creating successful outcomes at NDSU. Conditionally admitted students, and any student not currently in good academic standing, are especially encouraged to join. There is no additional cost for you to participate.

Want to join the program and become a Rising Scholar?

It is easy to join the program any time. To let us know you want to get started just fill out the 30 second interest form, call (701) 231-8379, or email ndsu.risingscholars@ndsu.edu. After that, navigate to Our Mentors page, find a mentor with a time that works for you, follow their "Meet with Me" link, and schedule an appointment.

What is Rising Scholars?

Designed to be uniquely valuable to you and work with your schedule. Meeting with a mentor is like having your own success coach. You choose the support level that works best for you to reach your academic and other personal goals. Most students meet with a mentor weekly throughout the semester, with the minimum expectation of 4 strategic sessions during the semester.

What students are saying. Participants say Rising Scholars is immediately beneficial for their semester, and that the program makes a big difference in their remaining time at NDSU – including more confidence in classes, knowledge about campus and community resources, better study skills, and better time and stress management skills.

  • "Join the Rising Scholars program and build a relationship with a mentor. My mentor has helped me in ways I couldn't imagine. I wouldn't be where I am today without my mentor."
  • "I learned more efficient ways to study and become a better student. I also learned different skills not just for academics but for social life as well that helped me in Fargo and at NDSU."
  • "The rising Scholars created an environment of enthusiasm and an opportunity of learning this semester for me."
  • "I liked how focused my mentor was on my needs, and what types of things I was going through. I wasn't judged solely based on my academic performance. Most of all, my Mentor was a person who not only guided me, but was also someone I could relate to."
  • "Do the program, it will only benefit you!"

FAQ

Commonly asked questions about mentoring

College success is not just about completing assignments, it's about navigating the entire college experience with confidence, skills, and support. Mentoring gives students structured, personalized guidance that research shows improves persistence and feelings of belonging at NDSU. Our mentors connect students with campus resources, campus communities, and tools that lead to academic and personal success.

Mentoring is individual specific support and connection designed to help students understand the complex university system they've entered. Transitions are challenging for everyone and our mentors help students navigate all the transitions that come with attending university.

We ask students to attend one 30-minute session per week for the semester. But even as few as 4 sessions can have a profound impact on success at NDSU and many students report that after their first session they've received significant help. Our mentors are extensively trained to quickly identify and support issues common with our student body.

Mentoring takes place in the offices at the back of ACE tutoring in the Lower Level of West Dining

The easiest way is to head to the Our Mentors page, find a mentor with a schedule that works for you and click their "Meet with Me" link. From there, choose a time slot and click the blue "Schedule" button. Then, come to your meeting at ACE beneath West Dining Center. You can also book appointments in Bison Advise the same way you would when setting up an appointment with your academic advisor - you'll just need to know the name of your Rising Scholars Peer mentor and search for them in the advisors box on the Schedule Appointments page. If you have any issues, please email us at ndsu.risingscholars@ndsu.edu

Mission & Purpose

Rising Scholars Program seeks to support students through mentoring as they adjust to the academic rigors of college.

  • Increase confidence and ability to manage academic workload through the development of college-level study skills.
  • Identify attainable short-term and long-term goals with an action plan for academic success
  • Access and navigate available campus resources
  • Make meaningful connections at NDSU

Questions?

Call (701) 231-5519, stop by ACE in the basement of West Dining Center, or email ndsu.risingscholars@ndsu.edu


Join Rising Scholars

Fill out the Interest Form

Academic Collegiate Enhancement (ACE)

Student Success Programs Page Manager