Introducing a unique way for first-year students to build social, coping and academic skills to enhance learning while transitioning into college.

About the Mystic Program

Grounded in the CASEL Framework, the Mystic Program at Mitchell College helps students develop skills in environments that enhance their learning and development. The program implements a cohort living and learning model that focuses on and develops five core competencies:

Self-Awareness

Recognizing one’s emotions, values, strengths and areas of challenge

Responsible Decision Making

Making strong personal and social behavior choices

Relationship Skills

Developing positive relationships, group work, self-advocacy, boundary setting and conflict resolution

Social Awareness

Being empathetic and respectful to all members of the Mitchell College community

Self-Management

Managing emotions, behavior, time and priorities to achieve personal goals

Program Content

Approx. 4– to 5–hour commitment per week.

Weekly Check-ins

Check-ins occur every week*, and alternate between the Program Coordinator and Student Mentors. During the checkin the Coordinator or Mentor looks at social/emotional well-being, individual progress, social engagements, utilization of campus resources and setting goals/areas for improvement.

Weekly Hangouts (Year 1)

The Mystic Cohort attends a weekly social event together each week. In Year 2 and beyond, students can swap out a Cohort event with an event of their choosing.

Mystic Social/Outings

The Mystic Cohort participates in a Mystic-specific program or outing once a month.

Mystic Meals

Students will attend lunch or dinner once a week with members of the Mystic team (Coordinator or Mentors).

Workshops

Seven workshops are offered per semester (Year 1). Students attend approximately 1 workshop every 2 weeks* covering topics related to the core competencies.

NOTES:

*Number might be adjusted depending on individual student need.
**Number may be adjusted depending on cohort need.

Sample Timeline

The Mystic Program helps students develop social and academic skills that can be applied in the classroom—critical thinking, group work, public speaking; it is not a direct academic support and content program. Students interested in receiving direct academic support can utilize the Bentsen Learning Center and/or Tutoring Services.

WEEK	THEME	TOPICS COVERED
1	Settling in and Making Connections	Cohort Connections Expectations Social Engagement Time Management
2–5	Foundations	Technology Review: Moodle, Outlook Calendars, Library, etc. Social Engagement, Life Skills Programming (ex. Laundry 101, Microwave Meals, etc.)
6–8	Relationship Building	Healthy Relationships Interpersonal Skills Communication
7–10	Career Development	Self-Awareness Self-Control Empathy Growth Mindset
11–13	Advocacy and Civic Engagement	Self-advocacy Independence Civic Engagement Service
14–16	End of Semester Review and Finals Prep	Semester Review and Reflections Preparation for Following Semester