Creating a Peer Mentor Program to
Promote Self-Determination and
Leadership
Cheryl A. Ashcroft
Lisa R. Ruebeck
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
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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
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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
Lead Mentor
Engineering
Lead Mentor
Business
Arts & Science
Mentors (4)
Engineering
Mentors (4)
Business
Mentors (4)
Peer Mentor Commitment
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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
Senior Goodbye
Sept./Oct.:
Getting to Know
You
April: New
Mentor Selection
and Training
Feb/March:
Group Events
Oct./Nov.: Group
Events
Jan: Mentor
Retreat
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
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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
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Preparing for New Student Orientation
Peer Mentor Handbook
Expectation for Fall Semester
Confidentiality, Waivers, Consent Forms
Role Play Experiences
Outreach to First Year Students
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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
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Introduction
Peer Mentor Directed
Small Groups by College
“What I Wish I Knew”
Initial Matching/Sharing of Contact
Information
• Consent Forms
Fall Mentoring
• 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
Peer Mentor Mid-Year Retreat
January
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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
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Start Small and Keep it Simple
First Year Programming Office
Leadership Development
Student Senate
Parents’ Fund via Institutional Advancement
Institutional Budget
Assessment
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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