Note the name change. The Honors College peer leader program is now a peer mentoring program.  A mentor is also a leader but much more.  This name change reflects the new direction we are taking the program to be more encompassing, act as an important arm of HCOL advising services, and serve as important aid to student success and retention. This year we have 16 mentors from a variety of academic majors. Mentees are roughly grouped by major to foster greater intellectual exchange. With the help of their peer mentors, first year students will more easily navigate HCOL academic requirements as well as those within their home colleges and departments.

This year we are building our peer mentor advising program by offering a new series of trainings, mentoring opportunities, and weekly walk-in advising.  A majority of the trainings are open to all first year students.  Through diverse topics explored in the trainings, we expose students to campus resources, offer time management and study tips, explore establishing solid connections with faculty, help with decoding CATSreports, examine academic majors for the right fit, and contemplate student wellness and stress management. 

Peer Mentors are central to the first year experience at the Honors College. A robust peer mentoring program helps students transition to college, offers inside knowledge of college operations and academics, and provides essential support to students facing the multiple stressors of college life. One of our Peer Mentors leads HCOL’s weekly Writing Collective. The Collective is an opportunity for students living in University Heights North to bring in outlines, drafts and ideas for peer review and evaluation.  We also in the process of establishing a Chemistry collective.

Peer Mentors also hold weekly socials and are available for one-on-one meetings with their mentees.  Our Peer Mentors perform as true ambassadors for HCOL’s reputation for holistic advising and, in tandem, with the professional advising staff, ensure access for all students to opportunities for a successful UVM experience.