Student-Faculty Mentorship Relationships: Tips on Mentoring Students from Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

By Mia Moody-Ramirez, Ph.D., Baylor Vice Head, Commission on the Status of Minorities

Fostering diversity and equity is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and commitment. Cross-cultural mentoring programs advocate for appreciating and respecting other cultures and their perspectives. This may occur when programs foster an environment that encourages individuals to shift from perceiving other cultures as “different” or “wrong” to recognizing alternative ways to practice tolerance and acceptance.

In cross-cultural mentoring programs, this manifests in an atmosphere that supports and empowers students. Common goals include helping students from diverse backgrounds develop their academic skills, improving retention rates, and cultivating a support network to increase inclusivity and a feeling of belonging.

In addressing cross-cultural teaching and mentoring challenges, consider university deficits to develop a program that offers a supportive environment for diverse populations and sensitivity throughout when fostering cross-cultural mentoring. However, avoid top-down models by seeking diverse perspectives. Allow students to participate in the program development process by ensuring each voice is heard and respected.

Another step in developing awareness of diversity and inclusion is educating ourselves about distinct cultures, backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives. Recognizing our unconscious biases and working to eliminate them helps make the learning environment more inclusive.

For example, pulling mentors and mentees from the same diversity group can encourage empathy between the matched pairs. However, crossgroup relationships can foster greater understanding between diverse cultures, which may suit the university’s goals. Programs maximize diversity by creating and increasing racial, social, cultural, and gender awareness mentoring approaches that embrace cultural diversity.

Other tips include:

Recognize and educate yourself on stereotypes, micro aggressions, and cultural biases.

We all have them. Be a lifelong learner. We can all learn and grow. Education is essential as you mentor students. They will be more aware in some areas than faculty.

We are addressing challenges encountered in cross-cultural teaching and mentoring. Listen and ask questions. Don’t assume that all members have the same issues. Cultivate a caring environment.

Seek Student Feedback:

Regularly talk to students about their learning experiences and any barriers they may face. Attend panels and workshops about mentoring and effectively connecting with students from various cultural backgrounds. Be open to making changes based on this feedback to continually enhance the inclusivity of your classroom.

Seek Opportunities to Connect:

Look for opportunities to connect with a mentee, whether through informal or formal means. Informal mentoring can involve activities such as having lunch together, attending cultural events, or having discussions after class. More formal methods could include serving as an advisor for diverse organizations. This can help students see you as an ally. Additionally, it’s important to listen to their concerns and make use of campus resources.

Collaborate with other faculty and staff. Work with individuals who have experience working with diverse populations.

Not all mentors and mentees make a connection; some matches are only for a season or a task— such as a thesis project. By taking these steps, educators can create learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and conducive to the success of all students.