Question 1

Can I earn academic credit for mentoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mentoring through Sage enrolls you in a DeCal course (Psych 98 for freshmen/sophomores, Psych 198 for juniors/seniors) worth 1 unit. The class and mentoring run at the same time each semester, so you apply what you learn in class directly to your weekly sessions with your mentee.

Question 2

Do I have to take the DeCal to participate?

Accepted Answer

No. If you do not wish to receive academic units, you can still volunteer as a mentor without enrolling in Psych 98/198.

Question 3

How do I pick which school to mentor at?

Accepted Answer

At the information session you sign up for a school based on location, transportation, and schedule. There are eight Berkeley schools and several Oakland schools to choose from. Each school has its own director who contacts you with all first-day logistics and stays in touch throughout the semester.

Question 4

What does a typical mentoring session look like?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the school. At some schools mentors work with a single student one-on-one on reading and math; at others they join the whole class, help during homework center hours, or play outside during recess. Each school has its own schedule and activities.

Question 5

What if I need to miss a week?

Accepted Answer

Contact your assigned school director, who will inform the school's Sage liaison on your behalf. All director contact information is provided in the syllabus you receive after attending an information session.

Sage Mentorship Project