First Peer Mentoring

Mentees: First-year students at University of Maryland, Baltimore interested in connecting with a peer mentor during their transition to campus

Mentors: Current UMB students who have completed two or more semesters and are interested in supporting first-year students through shared experience and guided peer engagement

Mentees have the opportunity to connect weekly with a trained peer mentor who can share insights from their own UMB experiences, answer questions, and provide support thinking through academic expectations and campus life. Meetings offer space to check in, talk through challenges as they arise, and learn about campus resources and opportunities. Mentees are also invited to attend programs and events throughout the academic year to meet other students and expand their campus connections.

Mentors can be hired through the Federal Work Study (FWS) program. However, if a mentor does not qualify for FWS, we have identified grant funding to compensate mentors for their time and effort. 

The program is designed with students' schedules in mind. Peer mentors work seven hours per week. Scheduling is coordinated to allow flexibility alongside academic responsibilities.

Mentors take on a paid leadership role that includes training and weekly one-on-one meetings with mentees. Through this role, mentors gain experience in communication, leadership, and peer support while working closely with first-year students and campus partners. The program offers flexible scheduling and a structured framework to support mentors throughout the semester. 

Mentors are encouraged to attend programs and events throughout the semester to enhance their leadership capabilities, build community with other students, expand their campus connections, and develop skills towards professional practice.