Genesis is the first book of the Bible, but at LSU, Genesis is designed as the first step to a successful academic career. The Genesis Tutoring and Mentoring Program attempts to ensure the success of students at the University by offering counseling and tutorial services free of charge. Tutoring is offered throughout the summer semester, Monday through Thursday, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Juniors and seniors called “mentors” assist new freshmen and sophomores called “mentees” with their transition from high school to college. While the program is open to all students, it focuses on improving the academics of ethnic minorities and other underrepresented students. “We do not limit to ethnic minorities,” said Curtis A. Parker Jr., program coordinator for cross cultural affairs. “We offer [tutoring] to everybody. There’s no discrimination.” In addition to tutoring, the Genesis Program offers support, advice and information about other academic resources and extracurricular activities to students who may not be aware. Unlike other tutoring services, the Genesis Program operates during the evening when most classes are out. During the fall and spring semesters, tutoring is held Monday through Thursday, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Parker said another thing that separates Genesis from similar programs is the comfort level between workers and students. “We want people to not only come in for tutoring, but come in just to come in,” he said. Elise Gilbert, Genesis mentee and soon-to-be mentor, said she joined the program because she wanted a vehicle to get acclimated to students and staff at the University. “I thought it would be good if I found a network of people involved in the University in a positive way,” she said. Gilbert said her favorite thing about the program besides the tutoring is the bonding. “I’ve met the people that are now my best friends,” she said. Both Parker and Gilbert agreed that being part of the Genesis Program is a unique experience and students would be hard-pressed to find something similar to it at the University. “There’s nothing else like it on campus,” Gilbert said. Even though the level of participation in the fall and spring semesters was good, Parker said he wants to take the program to another level. “My plan is to kick it to another gear,” he said. Parker said the Office of Multicultural Affairs has been looking to target incoming freshmen and members of the University’s Summer Scholars program to inform them about the advantages and benefits of joining Genesis. Parker said very few people know about the program and his main objective this summer is to get the word out, especially through informational fairs. “I want to feel like I’ve exhausted all my resources to let people know about what we have,” Parker said.
Contact Tyler Batiste at [email protected]