Peer Mentor Program
The goal of the Peer Mentoring program at the First Saluki Center is to increase student retention and success for mentees by engaging them early in their academic journey to identify challenges and connect them to the appropriate resources that will facilitate their success.
The First Saluki Peer Mentors are continuing students, upperclassman first-generation juniors, seniors and graduate students, who leverage their own skills and expertise to help other first-generation students have a successful education. The First Saluki Center mentors will have weekly and bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with their mentees to help identify challenges, set goals, and build skills. Specifically, Peer Mentors provide support, guidance and encouragement with the following outcomes in mind:
- Increase mentees knowledge about resources, which may help them succeed in college.
- Promote development of educational, leadership, career and learning goals.
- Increase social engagement and sense of belonging for students.
- Increase academic engagement and success.
To receive textbooks/need-based financial assistance, self-identified first-generation students must meet the program requirements.
Program Requirements:
- Participate in the FSC Peer Mentoring Program for (2) semesters (fall and spring).
- Attend FSC peer mentoring program meetings either weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
- If you consistently do not show or cancel scheduled mentoring meetings, you will be withdrawn from the program.
- Attend workshops.
- Maintain a SIUC cumulative 2.0 grade point average.
- Be a self-identified undergraduate first-generation student.
- Be in good standing with student rights & responsibilities.
- After one semester of active participation in the peer mentoring program, students are eligible for need based financial assistance.
- Have a current FAFSA on file.
Benefits of Peer Mentoring
Mentoring is a high-impact practice that encompasses a personal development relationship, in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person facilitates the professional development of someone who is less experienced in a particular area.
Benefits to Mentors
- To share one’s knowledge and experiences
- To help shape educational, leadership, career and learning goals
- To develop a new generation of successful mentors
- To experience a feeling of pride in seeing the mentee learn and focus on goals
- A meaningful resume entry
- To appreciate the ability to lead the mentee to higher levels of thinking
Benefits to Mentees
- To learn more about the University and the community
- To build self-esteem
- To enhance self-motivation, self-discipline and goal-setting
- To experience an atmosphere of professionalism, trust and respect
- To be more successful in one’s academic career
- To receive guidance in academic decision making
- To be motivated by academic success
Benefits to SIU Carbondale
- To increase student retention
- To improve campus climate
"There is so much happening at SIU that having a peer mentor has really helped me keep track of all the different opportunities that are available to me. My peer mentor is always very helpful whenever I have questions and I always look forward to speaking with her."
"I would not have been able to get through my first year of college without the help of The First Saluki Center and my peer mentor."
"The program is very great and resourceful for first-gen students."
Peer Mentor Success Stories
94% of First Saluki Center students feel their peer mentor helped them feel more comfortable with college life, helped them learn about tutoring and other support services and resources, and helped them identify good study methods. (survey assessment 2021)
100% of First Saluki Center students stated their peer mentor was adequately prepared for their mentoring role. (survey assessment 2021)
Read the success stories of some of the First Saluki Center's peer mentors.
Elisa Tatiana Castillo, Graduate Assistant
Master´s student in Social Work at SIU. Graduate Assistant at First Saluki Center.
Social Communicator, Journalist and Project Management Specialist. Women's rights activist, volunteer at Migrant Council Illinois. Experienced in community advocacy in rural settings.
Cade Flavin, Peer Mentor
Hi! My name is Cade Flavin and I’m from Ivesdale, Illinois. I’m majoring in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service and I love music. This is my third year at SIUC and I hope I’m able to help make your year a great one!
Avery Martin, Peer Tutor
Hello! My name is Avery Martin, and I am currently studying Biology with a concentration in Ecology. I’m super passionate about providing resources for any student that needs it. I’m also super passionate about STEM and would love to help you with your science and math related classes!
Trinity Stroisch, Peer Mentor
Hi! I am a third-year business student here at SIU and I have loved every second of my time here so far. I am pretty involved on campus and enjoy spending my free time at the lake or getting coffee at Morris. I was a mentee last year and it was invaluable in so many ways, so I chose to become a peer mentor because I wanted to bring that same kind of joy and laughter to others while being a resourceful outlet for first-generation students.
Ashanti Matthews, Peer Mentor
Hello! I am a senior here at SIUC majoring in psychology, with a focus on adolescent and young adult behavior. Throughout my time here at SIUC, I have taken great pleasure in assisting fellow students as they prepare for the upcoming semesters. My goal is to facilitate their academic success and foster a supportive environment.