Academic Center for Excellence

The Student Mentor Program at TAMIU supports the First-Year Experience by guiding incoming students through a successful transition to university life. Our experienced upper-class student mentors enhance learning by acclimating students to campus, developing academic and personal skills, and providing essential resources in a supportive environment.

You will meet with your mentor throughout your UNIV 1301 and UNIV 1302 courses.
Attendance and participation in mentor meetings is vital in both UNIV courses.

For more information on Student Mentors, please contact Program Specialist, Celeste Franco at 956.326.3380 or via email at: celeste.franco@tamiu.edu

Mentor Meeting Topics:

• e-Portfolio
• Registration
• SMART Goals
• Learning Styles
• Health & Wellness
• Career Exploration
• Time Management

Meeting Expectations & Grading 

• 30-minute Sessions
• Mentor meetings = 15% of UNIV grade
• Attendance tracking
  • 5 minutes late (full grade = 100)
  • 6 - 10 minutes late (grade = 85)
  • 11+ minutes late (no credit = 0)
• Emergencies/absences from meetings: 1-2 days in advance notice via email to assigned student mentor (if applicable)

Contact
Information 

• Location: Sue & Radcliffe Killam Library, 1st Floor
• Email: mentoring@tamiu.edu 
• Phone: 956.326.4769

Celeste Franco
Program Specialist

Mathew Arambula
Major: Computer Engineering

Brenda Armenta
Major: Psychology

Melanie Barrera
Major: Criminal Justice

Karen Castañeda Guerra
Major: Criminal Justice

Tryana Cervantes
Major: Public Health

Ricardo Johnson
Major: Biology

Zaira Montoya
Major: Criminal Justice

Daniela Ramirez
Major: Psychology

Toby Ramos
Major: Art (All Level Certification)

Elizabeth Rodriguez
Major: Psychology

Isela Sanchez Diaz
Major: Criminal Justice

Maria Valentina Diaz
Major: Master's in History/ Political Thought

Mariafernanda Boardman
Major: Business Marketing

Alexis Escamilla
Major: Computer Engineering

Cassy Gomez
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology

Valeria Gutierrez
Major: Music Education
(All-Level Certification)

Emma Garza
Major: Accounting

Samantha Garza
Major: Biology

Victoria Esparza
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Studio Arts

Cynthia Hernandez
Major: Pre-Nursing

Mauro Ortega
Major: Engineering

Luis Pazaran
Major: Finance

Melinna Lopez
Major: Business Administration

Jack Reyes
Major: Communications

Fatima Zuniga
Major: English/ Psychology

Paulina Salazar
Major: Accounting

Alisa Mendoza

Jerry Romero