Who are As-U-R mentors?
As-U-R mentors are graduate students who apply for a mentoring position through a competitive process, similar to any other job application. While many mentors come from "helping" disciplines such as Marriage and Family Therapy, School Counseling, and Social Work, we welcome qualified mentors from any academic background. Mentors receive ongoing professional development throughout the semester and are trained at least twice a year to stay current with best practices in supporting the program's members. In addition to this training, mentors have regular check-ins with the As-U-R Director and Assistant Director to discuss student progress, address any challenges, and brainstorm improvements for the program to better serve its members.
As-U-R Mentors
Mentor Responsibilities
This position allows flexibility in creating your own hours with your caseload of students. As-U-R Mentors provide intensive weekly academic assistance to As-U-R students. This includes providing creative solutions for struggling students, organization assistance, weekly planning, and accountability.
Provide academic assistance to As-U-R students
Maintain regular caseload of As-U-R students each semester
Meet regularly with students in the assigned caseload
Teach appropriate academic learning strategies
Connect students with other campus resources
Communicate with As-U-R Director/Assistant Director daily about student progress
Monitor Study Central activity
Assist students with planning and organization
Maintain documentation of As-U-R students
Encourage academic independence and provide student accountability
Mentor Qualifications
Graduate student at App State
Strong customer service and communication skills
Proficient in Google Suite, specifically G-mail, Calendar, Docs, and Sharing
Interest in the field of education and/or working with diverse populations
High attention to detail and well organized
Proactive and flexible
Commitment to inclusion of diverse learners and support of neurodiversity
Executive Function Challenges are often a result of an identified learning difference, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, processing disorders, specific learning disabilities or anxiety or depression. As a result, students with experience working with diverse learners are encouraged to apply.
Benefits
Compensation for Graduate Students of $16.75 per hour for 10, 15, or 20 hours per week
Professional development in:
Advising associated with diverse learners in higher education
Professional comportment
Communication and networking
Intercultural competencies
Mentoring by the As-U-R staff
Caseload management experience
Customer service experience
For questions about the Mentor position, including internship/practicum credit, contact:
Kelly Edwards
As-U-R Director
asur@appstate.edu
828-262-6332
To Apply
Attach a resume and cover letter in email to the As-U-R Director Kelly Edwards (asur@appstate.edu).
Training Resources
As-U-R mentors are provided detailed, up-to-date training at least twice a year and are offered various professional development opportunities throughout the semester.
Meet our Mentors!
The following are our As-U-R mentors for the Spring 2025 term:
Name: Scotty
Pronouns: he/him
Major: Educational Leadership
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I love the idea of working with such an underestimated group of people! I want to help them reach their greatest potentials.
Name: Cameron Pittman
Pronouns: she/they
Program of Study: Social Work
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to be a mentor with As-U-R because I experienced my own executive functioning challenges in undergrad. I know how that can impact everything from school and work to social obligations and personal life tasks, and I wanted to share the skills that I had to learn through this awesome program for students like me! I believe in representation in the helping fields, and As-U-R Mentoring is also a great way for me to start practicing for a career in Social Work someday.
Name: Karley LaBenne
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Social Work
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to mentor with As-U-R because I wanted to support neurodivergent students and help them develop strategies for success in school and in life. I felt that I had some knowledge to share as a someone who has also struggled with executive functioning challenges throughout my academic career.
Name: Grace Underwood
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: English
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I became a mentor with As-U-R for two main reasons. First, I wanted to work one-on-one with the students who needed a little extra help balancing their schoolwork and day-to-day lives. Secondly, I wanted to work with students from different backgrounds and with various learning needs in order to consider what teaching strategies I may use to make my future classroom a better space for learning.
Name: Lana Kaufman
Pronouns: she/her
Program of Study: Special Education
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to be an As-U-R mentor because it was a new experience with a population I care deeply about. I had worked with an array of disabilities and ages, but nothing specifically like As-U-R. I wanted to grow in my ability and knowledge of helping adults with disabilities and the needs they have. Through As-U-R I have gained those experiences, learners about myself and gotten a better idea of how to help students who are transitioning from high school to college.
Name: Addison Voelker
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Special Education
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to mentor with As-U-R because I love being a part of a community that learns and grows together. As-U-R gives me a sense of belonging which is the best feeling in the world!
Name: Sidney Grant
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Professional School Counseling
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I enjoy mentoring for As U R at App State because it allows me to support first-generation students and those with executive functioning challenges in a meaningful way! Helping them navigate academic and personal growth while fostering their confidence is incredibly rewarding.
Name: Valeria Moscoso (Val)
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Occupational Therapy
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to mentor with As-U-R because I felt like it was a great way to practice some skills I will need in my future career as far as learning to communicate and help neurodiverse folks. I also love to make friends and build connections whether that be with fellow mentors or any members of As-U-R!
Name: Alex Vilchis
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Program of Study: Music Therapy
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I have a passion for helping people and love finding creative solutions to helping people find success!
Name: Qiuhu Louie
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Psychology
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to mentor with As-U-R because my friend told me about the program and the awesome people that work and participate in it. I have met so many cool people and got to learn more about myself and my study habits. As-U-R is a wonderful resource that App State has to offer.
Name: Allie Michaels
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Professional School Counseling
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to mentor with AsUR because I love the community, and I think that connecting people with resources helps them better join and be a part of our school! It can be scary coming here for the first time, so I love being a friendly face people can ask their questions to!
Name: Brooke Owen
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Exercise Science
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to become a mentor at AsUR because I have always been passionate about supporting others in their personal growth. It is rewarding to see individuals flourish in their academics as they participate in the program.
Name: Taylor Giles
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Professional School Counseling
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I wanted to be a mentor with As-U-R because as a first-generation college student who had no idea how to find or understand the resources available to me in my undergraduate/graduate career, I wanted to help provide students with a smoother transition into their experience here at Appalachian State, so they do not struggle as I did. I also felt connected with this position since I want to be a school counselor, have a lot of experience working with individuals with executive function challenges, and felt that I have some skills that might aid them in their academic development.
Name: Ellery Neal
Pronouns: she/they
Program of Study: Occupational Therapy
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I became an As-U-R Mentor because I think everyone should have access to the tools they need in order to succeed, and As-U-R prioritizes helping students take control of their education and self-directing to success. It is also my goal to be a school-based OT after I graduate, so I am very grateful to be learning alongside and from my mentees.
Name: Kelly Edwards
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program of Study: Social Work (undergrad), School Psychology (grad school), Educational Leadership (Doctoral, in progress)
Why did you want to mentor with As-U-R? I have always loved working with “neurospicy” individuals and facilitating accessibility and success for that population. We have a fantastic group of folks in our community and I am grateful to be in the role that I am!