Creating a Peer Mentor Program to Promote Self-Determination and Leadership Cheryl A. Ashcroft Lisa R. Ruebeck

Click to add title History Started in 1996 by four Lehigh University students with learning disabilities Started as a support group then transitioned to a mentoring program in 1997 Fall 1998: 24 first year students were offered mentors, ten students participated Participants gpa 3.08/ Non-participants 1.94 Self-determination model begins

Defining Your Program Philosophy What is Self-Determination? Self-Determination Theory (SDT) is a theory of motivation developed by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan at the University of Rochester. Self-Determination begins with the ability to identify and understand one’s needs, interests, strengths, limitations, and values.

Why Facilitate Self-Determination? Because Self-determined Students: Capitalize on their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses Are proactive and experience less stress Are persistent and focused on goals Use support systems and creatively problem solve

Self -Determination in Identity Development and Leadership Moving from Shame to Self-Determination Normalizing the Experience Assimilating Multiple Identities to the Self Creating a Community Empowering: From Helpless to Helper Sharing Experiences with First Year Students Creating Inclusive Leadership

Inclusive Leadership Every voice counts First year students determine the level of engagement Encourages individual accountability Encourages culture of acceptance Preparing students for the diversity of the work environment

Jared’s Story

Reflection and Planning #1 What is you primary goal for starting a Peer Mentor Program? What population do you want to support? List 2-4 students that you believe could be potential mentors.

Where We Are Today Eighteen years in the making!

Organizational Structure Student Coordinator Lead Mentor Arts & Science Arts & Science Mentors (4) Lead Mentor Engineering Engineering Mentors (4) Lead Mentor Business Business Mentors (4)

Peer Mentor Commitment One Year Commitment Training ~ 5 hours Program Events (3 Fall/ 2 Spring) Informal Contacts with Mentees Executive Board Bi-Weekly Meetings End of Year Appreciation Dinner These are Volunteers!

Annual Cycle Aug/Sept: Mentor/Mentee Introduction Sept./Oct.: Getting to Know You Oct./Nov.: Group Events Jan: Mentor Retreat Feb/March: Group Events April: New Mentor Selection and Training Senior Goodbye

Recruitment and Selection April (Spring Semester) Criteria (GPA, Self Awareness, Potential) Invitation to Apply Application and Interview Process Selected by Lead Mentors Composition of Mentors

Training Overview Leadership and Identity Development Training (April) Peer Mentor Training (August) Mid-Year Retreat (January)

Leadership Development Training Spring Mentors Identify Challenges of Transition Identity Development Define their Roles/ Define their Goals Issues of Confidentiality Team Building Creating a Community

Peer Mentor Training Fall Preparing for New Student Orientation Peer Mentor Handbook Expectation for Fall Semester Confidentiality, Waivers, Consent Forms Role Play Experiences

Outreach to First Year Students Inform parents Peer Mentor website Initial telephone contact with student Letter and invitation to student Parent’s in Transition Workshop New Student Orientation brochure Inform Orientation Leaders/ Gryphons

New Student Orientation Introduction Peer Mentor Directed Small Groups by College “What I Wish I Knew” Initial Matching/Sharing of Contact Information Consent Forms

Initial Meeting (lunch or coffee) First year students determine the level of engagement Possible Topics –Important Academic Information: accommodations, drop/add, withdrawal deadlines –Personal invitation to program events –Exam preparation –Referral to academic resources –Social check-in –Finals preparation Fall Mentoring

Peer Mentor Mid-Year Retreat January Welcome Back and Re-energized! Review Fall Semester Plan Spring Programing Review Expectations

Programming Ideas New Student Orientation Session What I wish I Knew as a First Year Student Tricks and Tips for Exams (You’re Not in High School Anymore!) Pre-Registration Dinner Ready, Set, Resumé (Student Panel) Sophomore Living Options (Student Panel)

Funding Resources Start Small and Keep it Simple First Year Programming Office Leadership Development Student Senate Parents’ Fund via Institutional Advancement Institutional Budget

Assessment First Year Review Mid-Year Retreat Assessment Surveys Parent Donations

Reflection and Planning #2 Identify potential student mentors Develop questions for needs assessment with potential peer mentors (Individual conversations) Plan first meeting with peer mentors (create a community) Explore training opportunities Explore funding resources

Stephanie & Erin

Questions? Review Peer Mentor Handbook