Peer mentoring

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.

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:

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

Expectations

Time commitment is 2-3 hours/week
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.
Maintain accurate and timely records
Attend onboarding & training as scheduled throughout the academic year
Be available for weekly drop-in advising hours (1 hour/week) in the First Scholars Living-Learning Community in Laux Hall
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.