East Michigan News

Navigating college as an incoming student can be both exciting and intimidating. For first-generation students, those with visible or invisible disabilities, minoritized individuals, or those who identify with other marginalized groups, the experience can often be more challenging.

Central Michigan University’s College of Business Administration (CBA) offers the DEI Mentorship Program to support these students. The program pairs upperclassmen with incoming freshmen to provide guidance, support, and a friendly face, aiming to improve student success and retention.

Jenna Mueller, a 2023 alumna, attended various events as a freshman but struggled to find the connection she sought. “As a new student to campus, I struggled to find my place,” Mueller said. Reflecting on her experiences led her to see the potential in creating a program where everyone could feel part of a larger group.

Mueller was approached by CBA Associate Dean Misty Bennett during her junior year studying human resources management to initiate the DEI Mentorship Program at the start of the 2022-23 academic year. She began by recruiting peers as mentors and then focused on pairing them with freshmen mentees. Mueller coordinated events and set parameters for mentor/mentee relationships, including bi-monthly meet-ups.

The first cohort consisted of five student pairs. Paige Ciuzicki, another alumna from 2024 who studied marketing and information systems, served as a mentor. “I was so nervous because I really wanted my mentee to like me,” Ciuzicki said. She approached the relationship empathetically, reflecting on what she needed when she was in her mentee's position.

Ciuzicki and her mentee discussed goals and internships during their regular meetings. While the primary goal is to help new students find their footing, mentors also benefit significantly from the experience. “It was so much fun,” Ciuzicki noted about her role as a mentor.

In its second year, the program doubled its participants and saw a leadership change when Mueller graduated in December 2023. Ciuzicki then took over as program coordinator.

Associate Dean Bennett highlighted the program’s impact: “What’s fascinating is how many mentees finish the program and then want to be a mentor.” This sense of community has been powerful for CBA students.

As it approaches its third year, Mueller and Ciuzicki hope the program continues growing while maintaining its focus on community building. “If you’re new to CMU, this is a great place to start,” Mueller said.

For more information about the DEI Mentorship Program or to enroll as a mentor or mentee, email Associate Dean Misty Bennett at misty.bennett@cmich.edu.

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