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.
Are you interested in meeting with a Peer Mentor? Consider signing up today!
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
To sign up, click on the link below. (Be sure you are logged into your GS account or the form will not open.)
Once you complete the request form, you will be matched with a Peer Mentor within a few business days, based on the preferences you indicate on the form.
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
Armstrong Campus Programs
Statesboro Campus Programs
For more information about the Peer Mentor position, please contact Danielle Oehring at danielle-oehring@georgiasouthern.edu.
Are you motivated to assist first- and second-year students on their path to achieving academic, personal, and career success at Georgia Southern University? Peer Mentors are a direct resource for students, and are able to provide support in classes, clubs, academic skills, and so much more! Consider joining the Peer Programs team!
Job duties include:
- Paid position offering up to 10 hours per week with a flexible schedule
- Training to become a certified mentor through our CRLA certified mentor training program
- Weekly meetings with assigned Mentees
- Planning Program events, and attending those events with Mentees
- Planning and assisting with outreach events
- Participation in all staff meetings along with 1:1s with direct supervisor
- Other Peer Mentor Program projects as assigned
Job requirements include:
- Junior or Senior academic classification (60+ earned credit hours)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
CRLA Certified 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.
Fall 2023 Drop-In Mentoring
Are you looking to feel more connected to campus, having difficulty finding resources, or looking for peer support?
The Academic Success Center is excited to offer free, drop-in peer mentoring for any undergraduate Georgia Southern student!
Drop-in mentoring is meant to serve as informal, yet supportive, on-the-spot student-to-student conversations. A variety of topics related to the undergraduate student experience, such as academic success and campus involvement. Rest assured: ASC Peer Mentors are trained in active listening skills, goal setting, establishing rapport, learning styles, and more. If they cannot answer your questions, a Peer Mentor will refer you to someone who can!
Armstrong Campus
Tuesdays: 2:00pm – 3:00pm with Lauren
Wednesdays: 1:00pm – 2:00pm with Lauren
Statesboro Campus
Wednesdays from 1:00pm – 5:00pm
1:00pm – 3:00pm with Sade
3:00pm – 4:00pm with Favour
Need ongoing mentoring? Sign up for a Peer Mentor to schedule regular (weekly) meetings. Mentors and mentees meet on a weekly basis to discuss academic progress, personal growth, and professional development among a wide variety of topics.
Student Experiences
“This program has helped me in tremendous ways. My mentor is very sweet and welcoming, and she is always there in case I need anything… she is helping me in things that are going on in my life. She provides me with resources, and she is always that one person in my corner that is rooting for me!”
“I have enjoyed the Peer Mentor Program because I struggled with completing all my assignments at the beginning of last semester. With the help of my mentor, I was able to improve my grades throughout the semester and now I am balancing my school work, job, and extracurriculars. I have also been encouraged to get involved in school organizations like the Southern Ambassadors and I will be starting in the fall. Thank you so much for the opportunity!”
Last updated: 9/8/2023