R.I.S.E. Network

The R.I.S.E. Network (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) is an initiative under Student Development and the Division of Student Affairs. The goal is to create an environment where successful, high potential students come together to assist in increasing the retention and graduation rates of our Black and Latinx students at St. John's University.

Five Pillars of Rise

• Academic Success
• Career Preparation
• Connectivity
• Personal Enrichment
• Spiritual Enrichment

Program Benefits

• Learn new skills from an experienced, high-achieving student leader
• Network with influential faculty, administrators, and alumni to assist with career preparation
• Participate in engaging and empowering workshops geared toward academic and personal goals
• Gain access to the RISE Network study room and library of first-year textbooks

The Net

The RISE Network is unique in that it offers a professional network, known as The Net, which includes a group of key administrators, faculty, and staff who assist scholars with academic concerns and questions.

Scholars (Mentees)

First-year students who are interested in becoming scholars need to complete an online RISE Network Scholar Application and maintain a level of personal commitment to the program, which includes active participation in workshops, study sessions, social events, and Network Leader meetings.

Network Leaders (Mentors)

Network Leaders are primarily upperclassmen who have an interest in leadership and a passion to help incoming students navigate the college experience. This is accomplished through leadership development, informal advisement, group meetings, and a consistent use of resources and programs at St. John’s University. Recruitment of Network Leaders begins in October for the following academic year. Contact the Office of Student Development for more information.

Network Leaders

• Build a student’s character development by encouraging work ethic, trustworthiness, kindness, responsibility, etc.
• Assist with homework assignments and research papers, and improve academic skills
• Participate in activities of interest to the scholar
• Help set career goals and develop résumés
• Develop critical problem-solving skills
• Encourage social development

Become a R.I.S.E. Network Leader

Are you interested in becoming a R.I.S.E. Network Leader? This is your opportunity!

We're looking for students who reach for success, embrace social responsibility, and are dedicated to the development and retention of first-year black and Latino students.

The R.I.S.E. Network is a scholar’s empowerment network that provides Black and Latinx first-year students with skill-based development, support, and opportunities to enhance their overall academic career at St. John's University.

We need your help! This is opportunity knocking, asking you to take on a leadership role at St. John's.

The R.I.S.E. 2021-2022 Application is now open. The deadline to submit is November 4, 2021.

For more information, please contact Sharod Tomlinson, Director of Student Development and R.I.S.E. Mentoring, at [email protected].

Why Do I Need a Mentor?

Students with a mentor are more likely to succeed personally, academically, and professionally. They have higher self-esteem and confidence, and are more likely to earn higher grades and graduate.

Office Information

D’Angelo Center, Room 213
Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Dr. Sharod L. Tomlinson
Associate Dean Student Success & Engagement
718-990-5530
[email protected]

Amber Wilson
Associate Director of R.I.S.E Network
718-990-5383
[email protected]