What is the peer mentoring program?

The purpose of the SAS peer mentoring program is to provide support to first-year students during their first semester of college. We seek to accomplish this by providing a source of support, guidance, and information for students by pairing them with a returning student who is also registered with SAS. Having this pair will allow new students to feel more connected to campus and have the ability to make a personal connection at UVM early on. 

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 peer mentoring program hopes to provide assistance to some of the areas of concern as well as allow first-year 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.