OAS Peer Mentors are integral to the program and services the Office of Academic support provides. The goal is to connect incoming freshmen with more experienced students, who can provide academic and social support, encouragement and guidance. OAS Peer Mentors also help students become connected to the university. They help facilitate the development of academically successful, well-rounded students who are more capable of making wise thoughtful decisions. Students that have participated in the OAS Peer Mentoring Program report improvements in their overall academic performance. Peer Mentors help students develop more effective time management skills, better test taking strategies, and thus students have a better overall outcome. In return, peer mentors gain valuable leadership experience, while enhancing their professional and personal development. As an OAS Peer Mentor, you will be exposed to many UF resources and make valuable connections.
Objectives:
- To support academic and professional achievement
- To promote diversity and equity and have a positive impact on student retention
- To provide an enriching collegiate experience for underrepresented students
- To communicate expectations and values needed to be successful at UF
- To offer personal, professional and academic guidance
- To encourage students to persist and overcome challenges and adversity and strive for excellence
- To foster a sense of community that will assist students in building a support network
- To connect students with the campus community fostering a positive relationship and self- identity with UF, and gator pride
- To inform students of the many resources available at UF and address their diverse needs and interest
Benefits:
- Leadership experience in areas that may include diversity, conflict resolution, goal setting and professionalism
- Opportunity to develop communication, organizational and interpersonal skills by participating in community outreach and planning OAS events
- Opportunity to meet new people and increase social interactions
- Opportunity to get involved in campus life; prospective employer and graduate programs look favorably at students that are involved in extracurricular and co-curricular activities
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Keep the Mentee well informed with OAS scheduled events and activities
- Promote OAS services and programs
- Attend OAS Workshops and Events
- Provide communications log for proof of mentee contact
- Meet with Student OAS Coordinators once a week to speak on communication with mentee
- Provide encouragement and advice to Mentee
- Serve as a networking resource that mentee can utilize.
Tips for Mentors:
- Identify things that incoming freshman should be made aware of at UF
- Set a good example for your mentee
- Take the initiative
- Listen! Listen! Listen! Listen more than you speak
- Maintain and respect privacy, honesty and integrity
- Do be resourceful and help solve problems
- Do not tell mentees what to do or feel as though you should have all the answers
Tips for mentees:
- Ask questions, let your mentor know your interest, goals and expectations
- Do expect mentors to be supportive, but do not expect them to work wonders
- Learn from others mistakes and accomplishments, be open to new ideas and willing to see others perspective
- Be responsive
- Communicate clearly, regularly throughout the year and take the initiative to enhance your success at UF
- Participate in OAS events with your mentor