California Lutheran University

At Cal Lutheran, faculty mentoring is not an add-on — it's central to the student experience. From the moment students arrive on campus, they are known, supported, and guided by faculty members who are both accomplished experts in their fields and deeply invested in student success.

When I started college I thought I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn't end up going down that path. Cal Lutheran could be a place to grow, to change, and to adapt, and help you hone in on what that thing is.

Through close, individualized relationships, Cal Lutheran faculty mentors help students connect their academic interests, personal strengths, and values to meaningful academic pathways and career possibilities. This intentional, one-on-one guidance ensures students can navigate college — and their future — with a clear direction.

Cal Lutheran’s small class sizes make real mentorship possible. Faculty members are accessible, engaged, and invested in student success—both inside and outside the classroom. Students don’t just learn from faculty experts; they build lasting relationships with mentors who understand their goals and support their growth.

I wouldn't be where I am today if Professor Mark Orlando didn’t advise me to reach out to certain people or go to events for networking. At the end of the day, it's all about the people. Cal Lutheran has the best people by far, and everybody's here to support you.

Faculty mentors help students navigate key academic decisions, from choosing a major or minor to exploring interdisciplinary opportunities and preparing for graduate study. This individualized guidance ensures each student’s academic plan reflects who they are and where they want to go.

Mentoring at Cal Lutheran takes a vocational approach—encouraging students to reflect on their sense of purpose and calling. Faculty mentors help students explore how their talents can translate into fulfilling careers, meaningful service, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.

I look for ways to encourage each student to discover topics or concerns that spark their curiosity the most. When curiosity is combined with a deeply held interest, their career goals become clearer, the work required becomes more rewarding, and the difference becomes apparent to their professors as well as potential employers.