Peer Mentor Program

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Last Updated: Jul 25, 2024, 01:57 PM

Peer mentor

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.

Request A Peer Mentor Application

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  • If you consistently do not show or cancel scheduled mentoring meetings, you will be withdrawn from the program.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."

First Saluki Center 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. 

SIU Leah Hall

 

Olivia Moscato

Hello, my name is Olivia Moscato and I’m from Bolingbrook, Illinois. I am majoring in psychology with a minor in criminal justice/ criminology. I fell in love with SIU Carbondale since I first visited the campus. I hope to be a useful resource and to help everyone feel welcome. 

SIU Sydney Bailey

 

Sydney Bailey

Hello, I am currently studying Business Management with a specialization in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Public Administration. I myself am a first-generation student, involved in the American Marketing Association and Saluki Ambassadors. I'm always seeking adventure and spend most of my time outside. I want to help other first-generation students find their way through their years at SIU.