Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) logo for WSU.

What is SOAR?

SOAR stands for Student Outreach And Retention.

SOAR is a mentorship program designed to foster meaningful connection between students (mentees) and faculty, staff or graduate students (mentors). SOAR serves as a connector between people and resources.

Our Mission

Our mission in the Student Outreach and Retention (SOAR) mentorship program is to collaborate with faculty, staff, and graduate students from the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences to foster a supportive community, provide essential resources, and offer mentorship that helps students thrive academically and personally. 

Our Vision

We believe that all students should have the opportunity to high-quality mentoring opportunities that aims to maximize, educational, social, and professional development.  

SOAR Experiences

“Being a SOAR mentor has allowed me to learn more about the student experience and different processes within the college. I really value the connections, skill-building, and experience being a mentor has given me.”

Kelly O’Sullivan, SOAR Mentor

“Through the SOAR mentorship program, I gained an understanding of my degree and career goals. My mentor helped me focus on what’s important for my studies and provided practical advice for my professional growth. I feel more confident in my ability to handle challenges that may come my way.”

Keeshe Moore, Previous SOAR Mentee

Meet Your SOAR Mentors

Mentors are CAHNRS (College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences) faculty, staff, and graduate students that are committed to providing guidance, support, and expertise to undergraduate students. They serve as a resource for advice, career guidance, research opportunities, and leadership development helping students navigate their educational journey and preparing them for success in their chosen fields.  

Rich Koenig.

Rich Koenig 

Professor, Crop And Soil Science 

richk@wsu.edu 
Mary Steele.

Mary Steele 

Graduate Research Assistant, Plant Pathology (Based in WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center) 

mary.steele@wsu.edu 

Meet the SOAR Team

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

There is a minimum requirement for mentors and mentees to meet 2 times a semester, however you can meet more than that if you wish! 

  • Week 2:  Mentee completes a survey that registers them to participate in the SOAR program. 
  • Week 3: Mentor and Mentee receive matching emails. 
  • Weeks 4-5: Mentee initiates conversation between themselves and their mentor. Mentee and mentor plan their first one-on-one meeting of the semester.  
  • Weeks 6-7: Mentor and mentee have their first one-on-one meeting. 
  • Weeks 7-8: Mentors and mentee participate in a virtual or in-person mixer. An event that is hosted by the SOAR program where all the mentors and mentees come together and play games and chat.  
  • Weeks 9-10: Mentee and mentor continue communications and begin planning their second one-on-one meeting of the semester. 
  • Week 11-12: Mentor and mentee have their second one-on-one meeting. 
  • Week 13-15: Mentor and mentee continue communications. At this time mentees can choose to meet with their mentors again or continue their communications with their mentor as usual. 
  • Week 16:  End of the semester. Mentor and mentee conclude conversations, exchange information, and continue their connection after the fall or spring semester. 

Expectations you should have of our team are:

  • Open communication lines 
  • Connect mentors with appropriate resources 
  • Reminder emails sent monthly, ensuring active participation 
  • Supportive and welcoming environment 
  • Any other ideas you see fit here? Let us know!  

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to: 

Mentors and mentees are matched based on the students’ academic interest or field and what they are looking to get out of the program.   

Being a committed SOAR mentee means you meet with your mentor twice during a semester or more if you wish. The program is a semester long, but the connection can be continued from the semester of participation and beyond! 

To participate in the SOAR program a student must be a College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Science (CAHNRS) major or minor and must demonstrate a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity. It’s important that you actively opt in and are committed to creating meaningful engagement throughout the duration of the program. 

The SOAR program recruits new mentees at the beginning of each fall and spring semester but is open for mentees during all months of the year. If you are interested in joining, please reach out to Colette Casavant or Miguel Inzunza if you have any questions.