What Is Peer Mentoring?
Pairing experienced students with freshmen in First-year Learning Communities, the Peer Mentoring Program enhances the experience of first-year students.
How Does the Program Work?
All peer mentors attend a class with students in First-year Learning Communities. They use this time to check in and connect with students, discuss a topic relevant to the first-year experience, and announce upcoming events.
Peer mentors also hold workshops and events for students, meet with students individually and in groups, and maintain weekly e-mail contact with the class.
Who Are Peer Mentors?
Peer mentors are successful sophomores, juniors and seniors who volunteer for five hours per week. They have strong academic records and an active campus life.
What Do Peer Mentors Do?
Peer mentors work to:
- ease the transition from high school to college by demonstrating positive student habits and sharing skills,
- guide students to resources and opportunities on campus, and
- promote autonomous decision-making among first-year students.
Peer mentors help students "learn the ropes" of college life by discussing such topics as:
- Time management
- Communicating with professors
- Navigating the campus
- Registering for classes
- Preparing for tests
- Finding internships
Peer mentors are not tutors, counselors or advisers, but they can guide students to the appropriate resources on campus.