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
Peer Mentor Program & Center for Leadership & Service Collaboration:
Earn Your Certified Student Leader Medallion!
Our FIU Peer Mentor Program has partnered with FIU’s Center for Leadership & Service to provide Peer Mentors with the opportunity to obtain their Certified Student Leader Medallion. The Certified Student Leader Badge Program provides an opportunity for students to articulate how the involvements they are doing outside of the classroom help better prepare them for the workforce to employers. Peer Mentors who successfully complete the program requirements will earn both a digital micro-credential badge & can apply to receive the Certified Student Leader Graduation Medallion. To participate, Peer Mentors must:
- Review the guide which lists the co-curricular involvements that help you develop the 8 FIU Student Leadership Competencies.
- Participate in co-curricular involvements throughout your time at FIU as part of the Peer Mentor Program.
- Ensure your involvements are documented on PantherConnect.
- Enroll in the Certified Student Leader Badge Canvas Course
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