Program Overview

Introduction to the Peer Mentor Program

The Peer Mentor Program is designed for current and future Florida International University (FIU) student leaders who assist First Year Experience instructors. The primary objective of a Peer Mentor is to guide students throughout their first semester in college by sharing personal experiences as a new student.

What is a Peer Mentor?

Peer Mentors are utilized as a great resource for students and often facilitate discussions on specific topics in the course. They are expected to help first-year students with various aspects of college life, including:

• Transitioning to college
• Making friends and fitting in
• Working through homesickness
• Eating alone
• Public transportation
• Being responsible
• Eating healthy
• Time management
• Talking with their advisor
• Doing well academically
• Affordability and budgeting
• Life skills, such as laundry and cooking
• Getting sick
• Parking and commuting

Responsibilities as a Peer Mentor

The responsibilities of a Peer Mentor include:

• Attending Peer Mentor Trainings
• Leading group activities to create bonds and relationships between students in the First Year Experience course
• Meeting and getting to know the professor they are assisting once assigned
• Attending all class meetings
• Developing creative icebreakers and team builders to have the class interact with each other
• Supporting the Peer Mentor program by attending events
• Co-facilitating discussions and activities with their instructor
• Being positive and having fun with new students

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the Peer Mentor Program, applicants must:

• Be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate student
• Have completed at least one year at FIU
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above

Time Commitment for Peer Mentors

The time commitment for Peer Mentors includes:

• Mandatory one-day training before Summer B or Fall (dates to be discussed in interviews)
• Attending each First Year Experience class they are assigned, with schedules varying depending on the semester
• Class preparation meetings with the instructor (weekly meetings are recommended but not required)
• Spending quality time with assigned students outside of the classroom (e.g., meeting for lunch, attending FIU events)

Benefits for Peer Mentors

While the Peer Mentor position is a leadership role without monetary compensation, Peer Mentors benefit from:

• Building connections with new students, faculty, and staff
• Exploring their interests and strengthening their leadership skills
• Opportunities to participate in professional development opportunities, such as workshops
• Priority registration for classes

Peer Mentor Program and Center for Leadership & Service Collaboration

The FIU Peer Mentor Program has partnered with the Center for Leadership & Service to provide Peer Mentors with the opportunity to earn their Certified Student Leader Medallion. This involves:

• Reviewing the guide that lists co-curricular involvements helping to develop the 8 FIU Student Leadership Competencies
• Participating in co-curricular involvements throughout their time at FIU as part of the Peer Mentor Program
• Ensuring involvements are documented on PantherConnect
• Enrolling in the Certified Student Leader Badge Canvas Course

By participating in the Peer Mentor Program, students can create a memorable college experience, develop valuable leadership skills, and contribute to the success of their peers.