Frequently Asked Questions
Mentor FAQs
Compass 2 Campus (C2C) invites WWU and WCC students of all majors and backgrounds to become mentors either through our service-learning courses or by becoming a trained volunteer. No prior experience working with children is required.
WWU: C2C 201 (3-credit elective), C2C 202 (3-credit elective for returning mentors) or C2C 203 (5-credit BCGM GUR)
WCC: CTWOC201 (3-credit elective)
WWU students can volunteer with C2C for 2-4 hours per week by registering with C2C as a volunteer, passing a background check, and completing volunteer training. To sign up as a volunteer mentor, email compass2campus@wwu.edu.
Mentors enrolled in C2C service-learning classes mentor for 4 hours per week. Volunteers mentor for 2-4 hours per week.
C2C has several local sites here in Bellingham that are accessible by bus and bike. We also coordinate carpools for students who don’t have their own cars.
C2C mentors work with 5th-12th grade students in a variety of sites and types of placements. Many of our mentors support in traditional classrooms while others mentor students in clubs or afterschool programs. During site placement, mentors share their preferences with C2C in terms of preferred grade level, subject, and type of placement. Depending on schedules and availability, C2C does our best to match mentors with preferred placements.
The purpose of our background check is to keep all minor students and mentors safe from harm. Only criminal records involving crimes against children or the elderly, sex crimes, and violent hate crimes disqualify a mentor from mentoring with C2C. Traffic infractions, drug and alcohol possession charges, and other nonviolent offenses do not disqualify students from mentoring. University Police and C2C reserve the right to review as warranted on a case-by-case basis.
Yes! C2C, in alignment with Western’s commitment to serving undocumented students, strives to welcome and serve undocumented mentors and mentees. We welcome and encourage mentors from all backgrounds, including undocumented mentors, as we know that the students we serve in our 5th-12th grade programs have similar backgrounds and experiences.
Still have questions?
If your question isn't answered above, please contact us or email us.