Peer Mentoring Program

OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Peer Mentor Program is to assist undergraduate students in achieving their goals of pursuing a college degree at the University of Cincinnati. Mentors help students academically and socially by exposing them to various resources on campus, such as the Tutorial Services, Disability Services, Students Support Services, Career
Development Center, etc.

The Peer Mentor Program is designed to foster a safe supportive network for undergraduate students that need additional direction and enhanced skill sets necessary for navigating a collegiate environment.  Peer mentors serve as support personnel and share in the process of  manifesting the mission and goals of Academic Excellence & Support Services (AESS) by promoting academic excellence and student retention.

MISSION

Peer Mentoring provides a framework in which undergraduate students can develop and enhance skill sets that will assist students to actualize their potential in achieving academic success.

OBJECTIVES

1.  Create and a positive and structured environment that will foster healthy mentoring relationships between students and trained mentors that will guide the students toward academic success.

2.  Assist students in developing academic and life skills by providing at least one opportunity per quarter for students to engage in a group or individual mentoring session, as long as that student is an active participant in the peer mentoring program.

3.  Reinforce students' academic and personal responsibility by expecting students to adhere to the guidelines and requirements associated with programming that is partnered with the Peer Mentoring Program; in addition students will be expected to meet attainable goals outlined within mentoring sessions.

4.  Diligently work toward maintaining an atmosphere wherein respectful exchange of ideas between the student and mentor is consistently encouraged, as well as affording opportunities for open experiences that will lead to transformed perspectives and approaches in navigating a collegiate environment.

WHAT IS A PEER MENTOR?

A peer mentor is a friend who takes a special interest in sharing information with other students to inspire and help them approach their academic studies with more confidence. Peer mentors will provide advice, support, and encouragement to undergraduate students.

THE ROLE OF A PEER MENTOR

Peer Mentors serve as role models that can appropriately motivate and challenge their mentees in developing personal and academic responsibility, and emotional resilience.  Mentors work with their mentees in small groups or on a one-to-one basis with academics, social and university activities, and more.  Mentors are responsible for maintaining concise documentation of student assessments and recommendations, including the preparation of monthly and quarterly reports. Mentors are also required to meet regularly with the Program Coordinator.  Mentors assist students in navigating the UC academic environment by providing support in areas such as:

•  Time Management
•  Referrals to appropriate student and academic support programs/services
•  Study skills Advisement
•  Social activities provided by Peer Mentor Program and other University entities

HOW CAN PEER MENTORING BENEFIT YOU?

Peer Mentoring provides both the mentor and mentee with valuable life experiences that will propel them toward successfully achieving their life goals.  More specifically, mentees can expect to realize improvement in the following:

•  Study Skills
•  Time & Stress Management
•  Strategic Life and Academic Planning
•  Interpersonal Communicative Skills
•  Developing Healthy Relationships
•  Networking

BECOMING A PEER MENTOR

Peer Mentors must have achieved Sophomore or higher status, and have a 3.0 GPA.  Peer Mentors are generally students that are work-study eligible with excellent references within the university and professional community. 

08W Group Meeting Dates

Location: University Pavilion Room 310

 Thursday, February 7 3:30PM

Monday, February 11 11:30AM & 3:00PM

Thursday, February 14 1:00PM

Friday, February 15 12PM

Monday, February 25 11:00AM

Thursday, February 28 1:00PM

March 3  11:00AM

March 13  12:00PM