New Student Orientation - FYS

Peer mentorship in First-Year Seminar (FYS) courses is a proven and widely accepted strategy to support student success. Research shows that embedding trained peer leaders fosters belonging, increases help-seeking, and connects students with critical campus resources. When well designed, these programs not only improve GPA and retention for first-year students but also provide leadership development for the peer mentors themselves.

Why Peer Mentorship? What the Research Says:

• Eases the transition: Peer mentors, “near peers” a year or two ahead, help new students navigate both the academic and social dimensions of college.
• Builds belonging: Consistent evidence shows students with peer mentors feel more connected, confident, and willing to seek help.
• Improves persistence: When mentors are embedded in courses, research shows gains in GPA, course completion, and next-semester retention.
• Normalizes Resource Use: Mentors normalize challenges and connect students to tutoring, advising, and wellness services.
• Develops Leadership Character in Mentors: Peer leaders gain communication skills, confidence, and career-relevant competencies. TT Leader Requirements
• FYS Mentors will complete all requirements of TT Leaders including, but not limited to: Attending Spring Training, Attending August Training, Attending all Welcome Week Events. Continual Training Requirements
• FYS Mentors will be required to attend a spring training and August training.
• FYS Mentors must maintain regular communication with their assigned faculty member as needed throughout the experience. This includes three in-person meetings with the faculty member: at the beginning of the semester, middle of the semester, and end of the semester.
• FYS Mentors will be required to attend a monthly training meeting throughout the fall semester (August, September, October, November, and December) FYS In-Class Engagement
• Mentors are required to attend class once a week. The mentors will lead the “5 Minutes with the Mentor” presentation during the class they attend. o Mentors and instructors can decide which day of the week works best for the presentation and the timing of the presentation during the class. o Presentations, provided by the Office of New Student Orientation, will highlight key campus resources, upcoming events, and tips for academic and personal success. WELL Core Integration
• FYS courses with student mentors will include a WELL Core requirement reflected in the syllabus and final grade, requiring new students to complete 10 WELL Core credits by the end of the fall semester.
• To support this effort, mentors are responsible for: o Promoting upcoming WELL Core events. o Attending two WELL Core events with their assigned FYS class. 1:1 Mentor Meetings
• Mentors will hold 30-minute individual meetings with new students in their assigned FYS course.
• Mentors can set and communicate available meeting times, with meetings occurring from September through October.
• Mentors are responsible for creating and sharing a link to allow students to schedule their 1:1 meeting.
• The Office of New Student Orientation will provide questions to support meaningful, consistent conversations. Ongoing Communication
• Mentors will send needed information to faculty member and the Office of New Student Orientation.
• Mentors are responsible for maintaining regular communication with their FYS group to share reminders, offer encouragement, and strengthen peer connections throughout the semester. Social Connection Efforts
• FYS Mentors are responsible for attending the TT group Jeni’s night planned by the Office of New Student Orientation.
• FYS Mentors are responsible for planning one social event for their FYS class throughout the fall semester.
• FYS Mentors will work with their co-TT Leader to involve them in each social event. However, it is the responsibility of the FYS Mentor to attend, plan, and document each event. Documentation and Administrative Work
• FYS Mentors are responsible for submitting the social events and Well Core events they planned or attended.
• FYS Mentors are responsible for completing key forms, feedback, and paperwork designated by the Office of New Student Orientation.