LSIC Peer Mentors

Applications are now being accepted for the fall 2012 Peer Mentoring Program. The deadline to submit an application is April 18, 2012.

A list of LSIC courses that will be taught in fall 2012 is now available.

What is the LSIC Peer Mentor Program?

The Peer Mentor program provides an additional level of support for UNC Asheville’s incoming students. Peer Mentors are experienced students who work with LSIC instructors to form strong positive relationships with freshmen or transfer students during their first semester. New students can look to Peer Mentors as successful student role models.

What do LSIC Peer Mentors do?

Peer Mentors work both in and out of the classroom to guide students through issues like:

academic decision-making
time management
study skills
major exploration
campus issues
adjustment difficulties

Mentors also do the following to assist their mentees in transitioning to UNC Asheville by:

organizing extra-curricular social and academic activities
serve as an additional point of contact for students outside of class
set up peer editing or study sessions
refer students to appropriate university resources.

Mentors receive training in active listening, helping skills, campus resources and referrals, academic success skills, adjustment issues, and ILS curriculum information.

The daily activities of Peer Mentors differ based on the needs of their LSIC class, but all Peer Mentors receive the same training and are subject to the same basic expectations, as outlined on the Application/Nomination form.

How do Students Get to be Mentors?

Generally, the instructors of LSIC courses select their mentors. If you are an LSIC instructor who is interested in having a Peer Mentor in class, and you would like some help selecting a mentor, please contact Stephanie Franklin. If you are a student interested in Peer Mentoring, we can help you find an instructor to work with in the program.

Once an LSIC instructor has selected a mentor, the mentor and instructor should discuss each other's expectations for the experience. Afterward, an Application/Nomination form must be completed and submitted to Stephanie Franklin in the OneStop Office. After the Application/Nomination is received and processed, mentors will recieve information about required meetings, which will be held throughout the spring 2012 semester. These meetings will be conducted by Advising & Learning Support Staff and are mandatory; stipends will not be awarded to mentors who do not attend all meetings.

What people are saying about the LSIC Peer Mentor Program...

LSIC Instructors	Peer Mentors	Students
My mentor was willing to help students outside the class, with advising, etc. He set a wonderful example of campus service and encouraged students to do the same.	I found that this experience met my expectations as a class, but the students continually surprised me with their incredible depth and diverse personalities.	My mentor offered guidance and information from a student's standpoint. It was nice to be able to talk to someone other than your teacher.
She set up study groups with the students and encouraged them to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities. I also greatly benefited from getting her perspective on how the class was going in general.	Getting to know the LSIC instructor better and having a professor willing to mentor me as I mentored for his class was a great experience. His prodding and pushing to help me plan my major, end of school career, and even time management were a great added bonus to the experience.	She told us her experiences which was beneficial because she has just been through the things that we as freshmen are looking forward in the next few years.
In class discussions, she provided another informed perspective that differed from my own, but differed also from the freshmen, so that it added depth to discussions. She provided a link between me and the students, so that I think students felt I was more approachable. I know that she often served as a sounding board and peer advisor for students in the class.	I really enjoyed connecting with students and watching them become more comfortable at UNCA and in class as the semester went on. I feel that no matter how small, my presence and availability to them helped, and that is a good feeling.	I'm glad I had a peer mentor because I felt confident to ask him questions about the class and what the teacher expected of us. And if I couldn't talk to my professor during his office hours, I could usually find my mentor.