Thank you for your interest in the Sponsor a Zag program.  Below are a few questions and answers that should give you all the information you need.

Click here to fill out and print the registration form.

1 . What is the primary purpose of the program?^

The primary purpose is to provide financial support to students in need by helping them offset the high cost of textbooks and to offer encouragement through the mentoring process.

2 . How do I get started?^

Alumni contribute $500.00 (tax deductible) via check or credit card towards the text book fund.  The money is initially deposited in a fund administered by the Alumni Association. The money will be transferred to the bookstore in the name of the specific students once the recipients are selected.  Donors will receive a gift receipt from the university and a thank you letter from the student recipient.

3 . What individuals or departments are responsible for the program?^

The program will be administered by the Alumni Office in conjunction with the Bookstore and Financial Aid Office.  The Alumni Office will work closely with student representatives to gain input into the program guidelines. 

4 . Can Alumni and Friends select the student they sponsor?^

IRS regulations prevent the donor from selecting the recipient.  Donors may offer suggestions (i.e. Student from Montana, student majoring in Biology, etc.) and these suggestions are helpful in creating a good mentoring relationship.  But the actual recipients will be selected by the Alumni Association.

5 . How are the Students selected?^

Students are required to submit an application indicating their reason for applying for the program, information in their academic major and GPA and a summary of their activities and interests outside the classroom.  Alumni Staff will select recipients based upon student merit and need as expressed in their application materials as well as the fit between their career interests and the professional background of our donors.

6 . How are the donors informed about the student selected for them?^

The Alumni Office will notify you via e-mail of you assigned mentee and a brief profile of their academic and personal interests as well as pertinent contact information. 

7 . How do the students get the money?^

The Alumni Office will transfer the money to the bookstore and establish an account for the student recipients.  Students will receive $250.00 per semester that can only be applied towards textbooks.

8 . What do students do with the text books at the end of the semester?^

Students are responsible for selling the textbooks back to the bookstore and the proceeds will go into a scholarship fund for future students.

9 . Can Students continue their eligibility for succeeding years?^

Yes, students can continue to participate in the program if they fulfill the requirements and funds are available.

10 . What are the program guidelines for students?^

-Maintain good academic standing.

-Communicate with their assigned mentor on a regular basis.

-Donate the proceeds from the sale of their used textbooks to the scholarship fund.

-Complete a program evaluation.

11 . Do donors have to make a multi-year commitment?^

Alumni and friends are only required to make a one time contribution for the current academic year. If you enjoy your participation in the program them we encourage you to continue your financial support in the subsequent years.

12 . What are the expectations of the mentoring relationship?^

The Student is responsible for making the initial contact with their mentor.  We will ask that they contact you at least twice a month but mentors and mentees can negotiate the level of contact that best fits their needs. 

13 . How will the students contact their mentor?^

Email will be the primary tool for communication but we expect that montors and mentees will talk by phone and meet in person if possible.

14 . What should the mentor discuss with the mentee?^

Being a good listener is the most important quality of a mentor.  Share your knowledge of the professional world with them and answer specific career questions to the best of your ability. 

15 . Can I donate to the fund even if I am not in position to mentor a student?^

Yes, we will accept all donations and make alternative arrangements to secure mentors for interested students.

16 . How are donors informed about the student selected for them?^

The Alumni Office will notify you by e-mail of your assigned mentee and a brief profile of their academic and personal interests as well as pertinent contact information.