Peer Mentors are current and/or future FIU student leaders who assist First Year Experience instructors in a given semester. The main objective for a Peer Mentor is to help guide students throughout their first semester in college by sharing their personal experiences as a new student. Peer Mentors are utilized as a great resource for students and many times facilitate discussions on specific topics in the course.
What do we look for in a Peer Mentor?
- Someone who is responsible and takes the initiative to help others
- A role model to their fellow peers
- A student who is energetic and shows pride in FIU
- Someone who has a positive attitude and is helpful inside and outside of the classroom
As a peer mentor, you may expect to assist first-year students with some of the following:
- Transitioning to college
- Making friends and fitting in
- Working through homesickness
- Eating alone
- Public transportation
- Being responsible
- Eating healthy
- Time management
- Talking with their advisor
- Doing well academically
- Affordability and budgeting
- Life skills – laundry, cooking, etc.
- Getting sick
- Parking/commuting
Responsibilities as a Peer Mentor:
- Attend Peer Mentor Trainings
- Lead group activities to create bonds and relationships between students in the First Year Experience course
- Meet and get to know the professor they are assisting once they are assigned
- Attend all of their class meetings
- Develop creative icebreakers and team builders to have the class interact with each other
- Support the Peer Mentor program by attending our events
- Co-facilitate discussions and activities with their instructor
- Be positive and have fun with our new Panthers!
Minimum Requirements:
- Current enrolled degree-seeking undergraduate student
- Completed 1 year or more at FIU
- Cumulative 2.5 GPA or above
What is the time commitment for Peer Mentors?
- Mandatory one day training before Summer B or Fall (dates to be discussed in interviews)
- Attend each First Year Experience class you are assigned. This schedule varies depending on Summer B, Fall, or Spring semesters
- Class preparation meetings with the instructor (weekly meetings are recommended but not required)
- Spend quality time with assigned students outside of the classroom (e.g., meet for lunch and attend FIU events)
What do Peer Mentors gain?
The Peer Mentor position is a volunteer leadership position. There is no monetary compensation. However, Peer Mentors benefit from this position by:
- Building connections with new students, faculty, and
- Exploring your interests, strengthening your leadership skills
- Opportunity to participate in professional development opportunities such as workshops
- Priority registration for classes
Become a Peer Mentor
Create a memorable college experience by participating in the Peer Mentor program.
Apply today!
Peer Mentor Program MMC
Modesto A. Maidique
11200 SW 8th Street, GC 267 Miami, FL 33199
Email: peermentor@fiu.edu
Follow us on Instagram @FIUPeerMentors