September 9, 2025LGBTQ+ Mentoring, Part 2: When LGBTQ+ Identities are Shared by Sabrina L. Perkins, Azul Bellot, and Megan Parks In a previous post, we explained the importance of mentoring lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-, and queer (LGBTQ+) students, and considerations for engaged faculty and staff allies as they engage in doing so. This second post of the two-part series will…
August 26, 2025Mentoring LGBTQ+ Students, Part 1: Considerations for All Mentors by Sabrina L. Perkins, Azul Bellot, and Megan Parks For many students, attending a residential college is the first time they have lived away from home. During this time, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-, and queer (LGBTQ+) students may have increased opportunities to explore, and even freedom to be public…
August 1, 2025Bringing Our Whole CELves to the Table by Tiffanie Grant, Azul Bellot, Ben Krasnow, Kaz Kelly, Kira Campagna, Amelia Weaver, and Sanai Crosby Pull up a chair. We’re glad you’re here. At this table, conversation matters, but so does who gets to speak and who gets heard. This isn’t just about having a seat—it’s about shaping the space together. In higher education, decisions…
October 8, 2024Building Trust in Mentoring Relationshipsby Sabrina L. Thurman, Azul Bellot, and Tiffanie GrantMutual trust is widely recognized as a significant component of effective mentoring relationships because emotional and psychological safety allows both mentors and mentees to use their energy for learning and productivity rather than self-protection. Unfortunately, limited research exists on building…
June 12, 2024CELebrating Collaboration: Eyes of Innovation by Annelise Weaver, Azul Bellot, Tiffanie Grant, Kira Campagna, Ben Krasnow, and Kaz KellyAs undergraduate CEL Student Scholars working with the Center for Engaged Learning, we often are asked what our roles entail. Both in the context of the research itself, as well as in our partnerships, this collaborative leadership team was developed…
May 7, 2024Fluttering into Change: A Journey of Metamorphosis through Mentorshipby Azul BellotThe life cycle of a butterfly, spanning from 30 to 200 days, often passes unnoticed by many, who focus solely on the standout moments within that time frame. While three or four memories stand out, for butterflies, each day is…
August 8, 2023A Polar Bear Experienceby Azul BellotPolar bears and their mothers have a unique relationship throughout their development. Research has shown that a polar bear cub stays with its mother as it develops, but it is left alone to fend for itself after two years (“When…
June 18, 2023Through the Eyes of a Student: Expertise We Bringby Annelise Weaver, Azul Bellot, Gianna Smurro, Sophie Miller, and Tiffanie GrantAs undergraduate CEL Student Scholars working with the Center for Engaged Learning, we often are asked what our roles entail. Both in the context of the research itself, as well as in our partnerships, this collaborative leadership team was developed…