Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentor Program at Georgia Southern
We know that adulting can be hard, and the Peer Mentor Program is here to help.
The Peer Mentor Program supports the academic and social growth of first- and second-year students. Peer Mentors are academically successful upperclassmen pursuing various majors, and our team is passionate about walking alongside students as they transition to life at Georgia Southern.
Peer Mentors and Mentees meet weekly to discuss a variety of topics, including locating resources on campus, getting a handle on time management, sharing personal experiences and overcoming challenges, establishing positive habits, goal setting, getting plugged into campus life, and more! Our Peer Mentors help students navigate the academic environment and celebrate successes – big or small.
Peer Mentoring is a great path for students wanting to be paired with another peer and discuss any of the topics listed below:
- Time Management
- Study Skills
- Finding Resources
- Involvement in Clubs
- Peer Support
- Connecting to Campus
What does a Peer Mentor do?
Peer Mentors meet with their mentees on a weekly basis. In this role, mentors can develop effective communication skills and will also be given the opportunity to share their college experience with other students. In addition, Mentors will attend training and development sessions to refine their skills in mentoring and beyond.
What is the role of a Mentee?
- Students who choose to work with a Peer Mentor will be expected to:
Actively communicate with their paired Peer Mentor
Meet with their Peer Mentor weekly - Commit to one semester of mentoring at minimum
Attend Peer Mentor Program events with their Peer Mentor when possible
Benefits to Mentee
- Advice and guidance
- An available resource on campus
- Expansion of social network through social mixers
- Academic, personal, and professional development
CRLA Training Program
Our Peer Mentor training program awards Peer Mentors Level 1 Certification through the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). CRLA is an organization of education professionals that offers resources to universities and sets the standards for how we train and develop our Peer Mentors to successfully accomplish our program goals and outcomes.
Benefits of CRLA certification for Peer Mentors:
- Provides recognition and positive reinforcement for Peer Mentors’ successful work
- Is a marketable skill Peer Mentors should include on their resume
- Sets professional standards of skill and training for Peer Mentors
Training:
Our training program (as required by CRLA) must consist of 15 hours of mentor training; up to 3 hours may be completed at home/online, all other hours must be completed in-person.
Some examples of areas Peer Mentors will be trained in are:
- Establishing rapport and motivating Mentees
- Stress management and wellness
- Question and listening skills
After completing both 15 hours of mentor training and 50 hours of direct mentoring hours, a Peer Mentor will receive CRLA certification.
Last updated: 2/14/2024