Orange Mentor Connect Relaunch: Transforming Student Success Through Mentorship

To strengthen student success and foster a culture of support, Syracuse University is re-launching Orange Mentor Connect in partnership with Mentor Collective, an online mentoring platform. Beginning this spring, first-year and transfer students will be paired with experienced sophomore and junior mentors who understand the challenges and rewards of navigating college life.

“Students tell us time and again that having a peer mentor… makes all the difference in their transition to college.”

Kal Srinivas

Research consistently shows that mentorship is a powerful driver of student success. A study by Gallup-Purdue found that college graduates who had a mentor were two times more likely to be engaged in their careers and increased overall well-being. Additionally, the National Mentoring Partnership reports that students with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 130% more likely to hold leadership positions.

“Students tell us time and again that having a peer mentor—someone who has been in their shoes, faced similar challenges and successfully navigated them—makes all the difference in their transition to college,” says Kal Srinivas, director of retention and student success. “Mentorship isn’t just about advice—it’s about having a trusted guide who helps new students build confidence, access resources and feel at home in the Syracuse community.”

More than just a connection, Orange Mentor Connect is a transformative experience. “Mentorship strengthens students’ sense of belonging, expands their networks and builds essential skills for success,” says Julie Hasenwinkel, associate provost for academic programs. “This program is not just about helping new students—it’s also an incredible leadership opportunity for mentors, who gain valuable experience in coaching, communication and problem-solving.”

Administered by the Office of Retention and Student Success team, the program uses Mentor Collective’s smart-matching technology to pair students based on shared goals, interests and experiences. From there, mentors and mentees can connect through the platform in a way that works best for them—whether by text, video calls or in-person meetups.

For more information, visit the Orange Mentor Connect website or email mentoring@syr.edu.