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Peer mentoring

A page within Student Support Services

The SSS Peer Mentoring Program is an outreach program for first year students new to SSS. Mentors, who are continuing SSS students, will be paired with first-year SSS students. Peer Mentors will meet individually with their assigned first-year students throughout the semester and coach them in the following areas:

  • Identifying and implementing successful study strategies
  • Identifying effective success tools
  • Encourage students in their personal adjustment to campus life
  • Foster involvement in campus activities

Students who are interested in becoming a coach should see the “Become a Peer Mentor” tab on this web page.

New first-year SSS students wishing to receive a peer coach should speak with your assigned SSS advisor.

Dakota Gruen

Dakota Gruen

La Crosse, WI
Exercise Sports Science / Archeology

I enjoy nature and being active. My favorite things to do in our area are rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, skateboarding, and fishing. I also enjoy playing video games and relaxing in a hammock in the woods or on the bluffs. I also enjoy riding and working on my motorcycle. I am currently an Exercise Sports Science Major on the Pre-Professional Physical Therapy Track with a minor in Archeology. I look forward to working and helping students along their journey of freshmen year. I hope to be able to help them in a way I feel like I needed as an independent first-generation scholar. I enjoy being a peer mentor because being able to help someone lower their stress and build confidence in their future brings me joy knowing they left feeling better than when they came. 

 

Thomas Hall

Thomas Hall

Eden Prairie, MN
ESS Sport Management / Business Admin

I am a third-year student majoring in Sports Management and minoring in Theatre and Business Administration. I enjoy meeting new students and supporting them as they transition to college life. I love watching and playing sports, mainly soccer and pickleball.

 

Kasey Hammill

Kasey Hammill

Platteville, WI
Physical, Adapted, & School Health Ed

My name is Kasey Hammill, and I am a PASHE (physical, adapted, school health education) major here at UWL. Some hobbies I have include staying active by playing frisbee, running, and cycling, reading, and crafting. I love being a part of SSS because the people in the office have become like my second family away from home! Everyone is so supportive, and it makes me love my job and being at school. 

 

Amanda Keil

Amanda Keil

Milwaukee, WI
Communications / Psychology

Hello, my name is Amanda, and I am a third-year here at UWL. I’m majoring in communications with a minor is psychology, and in my free time, I like to read, play piano, and hang out with friends. I think SSS has a great atmosphere with a great support system, and I'm excited to meet new people this year!

 

Drew Vlasak

Drew Vlasak

Elroy, WI
Art / Creative Writing

Hi, I’m Drew! I’m currently a second-year student majoring in Art with a minor in Creative Writing. In my free time, I enjoy napping, playing video games, and drawing. I really appreciate the people and the vibes in SSS. The office is always lively and inspiring, which makes it a great place to grow both personally and academically.

Student Support Services (SSS) Peer Mentoring

In 2016, Student Support Services initiated an outreach program for first-year students new to SSS. Student mentors, who are continuing SSS students, will be paired with several first-year SSS students. The position is paid. There will be training at the start of the academic year and will continue periodically throughout the year. We encourage you to look over the duties and expectations and decide if this is an opportunity for you to pursue. 

Qualifications: 

  • In good academic standing 
  • Commitment for the entire academic year
  • Initiative to work with a variety of students
  • Proactive in scheduling meetings and building relationships that encourage student success 
  • Good communication skills
  • A broad knowledge of campus resources
  • Adequate time to devote to serving as a peer mentor

Duties:

  1. Provide individual academic coaching with new SSS first-year students through personalized, individual meetings, online or in person, throughout the academic year
  2. Assist students in identifying and implementing successful study strategies
  3. Support students in their academic success by identifying effective success tools 
  4. Help students identify and navigate campus resources
  5. Encourage students in their personal adjustment to campus life
  6. Encourage students to explore career development opportunities
  7. Foster involvement in campus activities & organizations
  8. Build a relationship with each student you are coaching
  9. Attend all training sessions provided by SSS staff

Expectations

  1. Time commitment is 2-3 hours/week 
  2. Meetings with mentored students can be face-to-face or virtual. In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, masks must be worn for all indoor, in-person meetings.
  3. Maintain accurate and timely records 
  4. Attend onboarding & training as scheduled throughout the academic year
  5. Be available for weekly drop-in advising hours (1 hour/week) in the First Scholars Living-Learning Community in Laux Hall
  6. Communicate openly and effectively with program supervisors: Margaret Henning (mhenning@uwlax.edu) and Darlene Geiger (dgeiger@uwlax.edu)

If you wish to pursue being a coach, please complete & submit an application.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Please contact Margaret Henning: mhenning@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8536.

Upcoming events!

Starts 4 p.m. Mon, Nov. 18 Theatre Auditions for Spring 2025 Productions Multiple dates Community of Practice: Discussion and Civil Dialogue Multiple dates (8 upcoming) Education Abroad 101 Learn how you can study abroad! 4 to 5 p.m. Thu, Nov. 21 Trans People in Sports A student org event from Rainbow Unity Multiple dates (2 upcoming) Strength Redefined Gymtimidation is real! 6 to 8 p.m. Thu, Nov. 21 Clothing Swap A student org event from Campus Activities Board 6 to 8 p.m. Thu, Nov. 21 Major Game Night Am I choosing the right Major? 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fri, Nov. 22 Science & Math Career Forum Multiple dates (3 upcoming) Let's Talk Mental health consultation services for STUDENTS 12:05 to 1 p.m. Fri, Nov. 22 Psych Hour Series Exploring Gender and Culture: Research Presentation