ACADEMIC PEER MENTORING PROGRAM (APMP)

WHAT: DUS and Penn State Learning are piloting a new initiative—a peer mentorship program for students in or near academic warning. HOW: Perspective mentors will complete a mentor application and, upon receiving conditional acceptance into the peer mentorship program, enroll in EDUC 295: Mentoring for Success. EDUC 295 is a one-credit, half semester preparatory course designed to teach mentors the skills necessary to help students (mentees) achieve academic success. Mentors will learn crucial academic and communication skills to help mentees with time management concerns, study skill development, metacognition, procrastination, and other skill and strategy-based challenges. WHO: Students eligible to become mentors must have strong academics (a 2.67 cumulative GPA or higher) and excellent time management skills. APMP is open to students in any college or division. Peer Mentor (PM) responsibilities:

  • enroll in a 1-credit preparatory class prior to being a mentor (EDUC 295, M/W, 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.)
  • meet weekly with mentees to address issues preventing academic success
  • appropriately refer mentees to on and off-campus resources
  • help mentees learn and implement appropriate study skills
  • help mentees manage their time and learn how to overcome procrastination
  • maintain appropriate and accurate notes of mentor and mentee interactions
  • manage relationships with mentee(s)
  • maintain confidentiality of mentee information
  • meet with program coordinators biweekly to address concerns with mentees and engage in ongoing training
  • engage in proactive and timely written and verbal communication with mentees and program coordinators, as needed

PROCESS/TIMELINE Application Process

  • Students complete an online Peer Mentor application (bit.ly/MentoringforSuccess). Applications for spring 2023 are due March 1, 2023.
  • Student applications are reviewed by program administrators, and conditional acceptances are offered. Prospective mentors, students with conditional acceptances, will be enrolled in EDUC 295: Mentoring for Success. EDUC 295 meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. for half of the semester.

Mentor Preparation

  • Students complete EDUC 295: Mentoring for Success. Review a sample syllabus.
  • Students who complete the course with a B or better will conduct a 45-minute interview. Students who have a successful interview will be invited to mentor students in a future semester.

Mentorship

  • Mentors who have earned a B or better in EDUC 295 and completed an interview may mentor one or more students, based on their preference. Students may receive up to three credits for mentoring students via EDUC 395: Field Experience. (EDUC 295 and EDUC 395* will count as elective credits for most majors with elective space at the university).
  • Mentors will meet bi-weekly with the program coordinators to receive ongoing training and discuss emerging and difficult student situations that may arise.

*An honors section of EDUC 395 is available. For questions about the program, please contact Joan Miller (jxm1063@psu.edu).