SPECTRUM is a program designed to connect upperclassmen who have found their rhythm on campus with new students still trying to find the Reef.
The program is organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs to help first-year and transfer students navigate the transition to college life.
And many of the student-mentees go on to be mentors themselves.
“I have seen this program exponentially affect students in some amazing ways,” said Devin Phinazee, the graduate assistant of Multicultural Affairs.
Given the small presence of Greek life on campus and its tradition of “Bigs and Littles,” SPECTRUM serves as a different, and possibly more expansive, way to introduce students to campus culture.
Mentors are required to go through training at the start of each fall semester before being paired with a student. The duos are expected to attend bi-monthly meetings and encouraged to participate in the program’s monthly workshops.
“These (workshops) can vary based on the semester, but consistent topics covered are identity, social issues, power, privilege, oppression, academic development (and) professionalism,” Phinazee said.
Currently, the program has 20 active participants, but Phinazee anticipates growth in the next year.
“I could definitely see SPECTRUM becoming a much larger program in the future that focuses on student development in multicultural competence and personal growth,” he said.
The programs puts on an annual spring leadership retreat and Fall Reception and End of the Year Banquet that participants are encouraged to attend. Lastly, a Fall Reception and End of the Year Banquet are open to all the participants to attend as well.
Participants are invited to attend the program’s Fall Reception and End of the Year Banquet, as well as its annual spring leadership retreat.
For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs at (727) 873 4845 or oma@usfsp.edu.
