UT as a nationally recognized leader in peer

UT as a nationally recognized leader in peer mentoring:

Program Objectives l To have a transformative effect on the retention of first year students and the persistence of continuing students who serve as peer mentors l To ingrain peer mentorship into UT culture

Program Overview l Train and assign a peer mentor to first year students at UT – – – l Assist with adjustment issues Help first year students get connected to UT Provide information and encouragement about using UT programs and services Assign Faculty/Staff mentors to peer mentors – Accountability and encouragement

The 4 Pillars of R-2 -R * Responsibility Personal Accountability Health & Safety Time Management * Belonging Get Informed Get Connected Meaningful Relationships * Success Academic Rigor Academic Integrity Academic Relationships * Aspire Look to the Future Set Goals Start your Career Now

The Balance of Student Involvement * Responsibility Personal Accountability Health & Safety Prioritize – Academics first * Leadership Personal Development Giving Back Leave a Legacy * Social Connection Networking Recreation & Fun Stress Relief * Aspire Today / Tomorrow Decisions Set Goals Start your Career Now

Collaboration l Existing programs and student organizations involved in leadership and mentorship development will be invited to recommend peer mentors as “feeder programs” l Faculty/Staff mentors will be recruited campus wide l Mentees will be educated about the program in cooperation with Admissions and Rocket Launch l A “Rocket-2 -Rocket Mentor Center” will provide a physical space for programming, training, and support l BAJ classes can provide opportunities for program discussion, application and evaluation

Benefits to First Year Students l “Been there, done that” guidance from a peer in overcoming college adjustment issues l A friendly name and face to turn to with questions and concerns l A knowledgeable support system in getting connected to UT programs, services and resources l Positive networking with trusted student leaders

To GET a Peer Mentor… 1. 2. Gain admission to UT as a first year student. Go to the R-2 -R facebook page and complete/submit the survey. – – – What is the college under which you were admitted to UT? (“click one” menu) What is your hometown? Check your top 3 co-curricular interests (“click three” menu)

Peer Mentor Incentives l l l Opportunity to actively contribute to studentcenteredness at UT Gaining in-depth information on UT culture, traditions, and resources Receive a Faculty/Staff mentor Campus wide recognition; t-shirt, pin, lanyard, etc. Opportunity to receive a co-curricular transcript upon graduation Internship and practicum requirements may apply to the experience

Peer Mentor Qualifications l Must be recommended by a “feeder program” Minimum GPA requirement l Must complete an on-line commitment letter l Must complete a “Lifeline Training” session l

Peer Mentor Commitments l l Mentorship Training Mentorship Kick-Off Party Connect with F/S Mentor once per month Connect with 1 -3 mentees during the school year – – l Personal check in conversation at least once per week Take mentees to 3 on-campus, UT sponsored activities or events each semester, i. e. student org meeting, athletic event, CAP event, UT traditional event, etc. Connect mentees to UT resources as needed Weekly journal entries sent to F/S mentor End of the year Recognition Ceremony

To BECOME a Peer Mentor… 1. 2. 3. Go to the Dean of Student’s website. Click on the R-2 -R button at the bottom of the page and complete/submit the peer mentor commitment letter. Attend a R-2 -R peer mentor training session.

Faculty/Staff Mentor Incentives l l l Opportunity to actively contribute to studentcenteredness at UT Opportunity to connect with students outside of class and programs Opportunity to directly support and encourage student leaders to persist and succeed at UT

Faculty / Staff Mentor Qualifications l Strong commitment to student-centeredness l Complete an on-line commitment letter l Complete a Rocket-2 -Rocket briefing l Willingness to serve as mentor to 1 -5 student leaders

Faculty / Staff Mentor Commitments l l l Encouraged to attend the Kick-off Party Receive and respond to weekly journal entries Connect student mentees to UT resources as needed Personal connection to peer mentors Attend of the year Recognition Ceremony

To Become a FACULTY/STAFF Mentor… 1. 2. 3. Go to the Dean of Student’s website. Click on the R-2 -R button at the bottom of the page and complete/submit the faculty/staff mentor commitment letter. Attend a R-2 -R faculty/staff mentor briefing session.

Program Administration Rocket-2 -Rocket Launch Teams Recruitment and Outreach Team (Amelia & Michele) recruiting mentors, matching mentors to mentees, marketing Training and Accountability Team (Mark & Darci) training mentors, reviewing journals, peer mentor center Incentives and Recognitions Team (Tracci) recognition ceremony, co-curricular transcript, incentives Assessment and Academics Team (Jeff) pre/post assessment, program evaluation, internships,

Pilot Program 2009 -2010 Academic Year l l All UT Blue & Gold Scholars admitted for the 2010 Academic Year will be assigned a trained peer mentor Other first year students including international students will be given the opportunity to have a peer mentor at Rocket Launch