What is the peer mentoring program?

The Student Accessibility Services (SAS) Peer Mentoring Program provides support to new students during their first semester at UVM. Mentors are returning UVM students who are also registered with SAS. The mentors provide a source of support, guidance, and information to their mentees. Pairing a new student with a mentor creates a personal connection for new students early on and facilitates more connections to interest groups, events, activities, and support resources on campus.

First-year Students often:

  • Need different skills and knowledge than they needed in high school
  • Don’t recognize when they need help​
  • Don’t like asking for help​
  • Don’t know what resources are available to them

The SAS Peer Mentoring Program hopes to assist in these areas and allow new students to feel more welcome and connected to the UVM campus.

What are the benefits of the program?

Benefits to Mentees:

  • An early connection to UVM​
  • Access to information​
  • Additional support and guidance from peers
  • Decreased anxiety about transition to college​
  • Opportunity for increased accountability​

Benefits to Mentors:

  • Opportunity to share your expertise​ about the UVM campus and community
  • Experience that will help develop your leadership skills​ and interpersonal skills​
  • Resume building
  • Various incentives, provided by SAS, for successful mentor candidates

What will I do as a participant in the program?

  • The first month of the semester, mentors and mentees will meet once per week
  • After the first month, mentors and mentees will meet twice monthly (can meet more if you choose to do so) ​
  • Mentors will attend at least one event or program with their mentee and report to SAS​
  • Mentors and mentees will maintain confidentiality

How do I join?

Mentees

If you are interested in participating in the Peer Mentoring Program, please complete the Sign-Up Form.

Mentors

SAS students who would like to apply to be a mentor should contact SAS.PeerMentoring@uvm.edu to request additional information regarding the recruitment process.