What is the Peer Mentor Program?
The Peer Mentor Program is an organization that supports first-year students and is led by upperclassmen. Peer Mentors support new students throughout their whole first semester and often develop lifelong friendships!
Peer Mentors volunteer throughout the semester to become a role model and class facilitator for a small group of freshmen enrolled in a UNIV 100 first-year seminar class. These classes are designed to help students successfully transition to college life after high school.
Peer Mentors attend UNIV 100 with their group of students and provide in and out of class assistance. Peer Mentors help the instructor by being a class facilitator and role model. Often Peer Mentors contribute personal experiences to the class, lead discussions, help students with challenges in their first semester, develop relationships with students in the class, and help students to get involved at UL, which supports the Peer Mentor’s goal in supporting learning for first-year students and easing their transition into the university.
Who Are Peer Mentors?
Peer Mentors are students who provide advice, guidance, and CONNECTION to first-year students. To qualify to be a Peer Mentor, you must have earned at least 12 credit hours, have a cumulative 2.5 GPA, and a helpful disposition! Our program looks for students eager to make a difference and provide assistance to new students.
The Peer Mentor Program also has a student-led leadership team. The Development Coordinator for the Peer Mentor Program works to provide training, development, and educational opportunities for Peer Mentors. The Administrative Coordinator works to ensure organizational functionality, including matching Peer Mentors to UNIV 100 sections, and maintaining the organization's social media content. Our team also has an amazing group of Lead Peer Mentors, who are experienced student leaders and have previously served in the Peer Mentor role. These Lead Peer Mentors guide small groups of new and returning Peer Mentors, offering them advice and support throughout their experience. Learn more about the Peer Mentor Program Leadership Team.
Why Should I Become a Peer Mentor?
Becoming a Peer Mentor is a very rewarding experience! Not only will you help students find their home here at UL Lafayette, but you can also qualify for awesome benefits:
- Earn up to 180 volunteer hours per year (90 volunteer hours per semester)
- Gain valuable career readiness skills and receive numerous opportunities to expand your leadership development
- Network with peers from across the University
- Receive small group mentorship from a Lead Peer Mentor
- Make lifelong friends and help students adjust to college
What is the Time Commitment for the Peer Mentor Program?
Overall, the Peer Mentor Program is what you make of it! We always say, the more you put into it - the more you'll get out of it!
Each Peer Mentor MUST attend each class day of their assigned section of UNIV 100. This typically looks like 3 hours a week for each Peer Mentor. However, we encourage our Peer Mentors to attend outside of class programming with their students.
How Do I Become a Peer Mentor?
Step 1. Students can apply to the Peer Mentor Program once they have accumulated 12 credit hours. Students must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 to qualify for the program.
Step 2. After completing the students participate in group interviews to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Group Interviews consist of activities designed to assess students’ communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. Following Group Interviews, an individual Interview may be required of applicants.
Step 3. If selected, students are placed in small group which serves as a support system. Small groups are meant to serve as a space to discuss ideas, educational topics, and receive support. These small groups are led by Lead Peer Mentors. Meet the 2024 Lead Peer Mentors!
Step 4. Peer Mentors are also required to attend the Peer Mentor Retreat/Training. These events prepare students to become mentors for first-time freshmen, form bonds and friendships with other peer mentors, develop leadership skills, and deepen their self-awareness and personal growth.
Peer Mentors are required to attend the following events:
Internet Sessions
Join the Peer Mentor Coordinators and Lead Peer Mentors to learn more about the program. Get all your questions answered here!
- Info Session: TBA
Important Dates - Mandatory!
- Perspective Peer Mentors Officially Announced: January 22, 2025
- Peer Mentor Training: February 16, 2025
- Peer Mentor/UNIV 100 Instructor Meet and Greet: TBD
- New Student Convocation: August 22, 2025
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