Find Student Support and Community
The Peer Mentoring program offers students a supportive peer to assist with the transition to Baker College. Students who act as mentors will learn valuable skills to help guide others on their educational and personal journey.
Requesting a Mentor
Did you know that individuals who share their goals with someone, such as a mentor, are 70% more likely to achieve them? Having a mentor allows you to receive personalized assistance with your academic inquiries and can connect you to all the services available through Baker College. If you are interested in having a mentor who will assist you on your educational journey, please complete the application below.
Benefits of Having a Mentor:
- Increased confidence and connection to Baker College: Engaging with an established Baker College student gives mentees the access to become engaged and involved within the Baker College Community, ensuring students understand what resources are available from Baker College.
- Skill Development: Mentees can enhance their study skills and knowledge by participating in the program.
- Networking: Mentees can expand their professional network by connection with their mentors and other professionals in their mentor’s industry.
- New Perspectives: Mentees can gain fresh perspectives and insights from their mentees, who may have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Communication: Good communication skills help in networking with professors, guest speakers, and fellow students, which can lead to internships, job opportunities, and academic support.
- Collaboration: Peer-to-peer communication fosters collaboration and teamwork. When peers work together, they can combine their strengths, brainstorm ideas, and achieve common goals more effectively.
Becoming a Mentor
Peer Mentors are students who wish to help their fellow peers succeed at Baker College. They are responsible for reaching out to mentees and connecting them to resources, as well as providing an environment that fosters personal, academic and professional success. When you participate as a Peer Mentor, you will be awarded a cord or sash to be worn at graduation.
To become a Peer Mentor, please contact your Director of Student Affairs.
Benefits of becoming a mentor:
- Increased confidence and connection to Baker College: Mentoring can be a rewarding experience for mentors who enjoy helping others and seeing their mentees succeed.
- Skill Development: Mentors can enhance their skills and knowledge by teaching and coaching others
- Leadership Development: Mentors can develop their leadership skills by guiding and motivating others. Leadership opportunities such as training, conferences, and other networking experiences may be offered.
- Networking: Mentors can expand their professional network by connection with their mentees. Good communication skills help in networking with professors, guest speakers, and fellow students, which can lead to internships, job opportunities, and academic support.
- New Perspectives: Mentors can gain fresh perspectives and insights from their mentees, who may have different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Communication: Strong peer relationships built through communication can lead to lasting friendships and professional connections. These relationships often extend beyond the immediate academic or work environment, providing a valuable network over time.
- Career Readiness: Employers highly value strong communication skills. Those who can communicate effectively through writing, speaking, and listening are more likely to succeed in advancing in their careers.
Qualifications:
- Must maintain a GPA of 3.0+
- Weekly Time Commitment: ~10 hours/week
- One semester at Baker College (or other institution) completed.
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 credits/as many as their program allows.
Frequently Asked Questions
A peer mentor is someone who provides guidance, support, and encouragement to others who are in a similar situation or at a similar stage in life. Unlike traditional mentors who might be more experienced or in a higher position, peer mentors are often individuals who have recently experienced or are currently navigating similar challenges. This shared experience can make their advice and support particularly relevant and relatable.
Peer mentors typically help with a range of issues, such as academic challenges, personal development, or career planning. They offer advice, share their own experiences, and help mentees develop strategies for success. The relationship is usually collaborative, with both parties benefiting from the exchange. Peer mentoring can occur in various settings, including educational institutions, workplaces, and community organizations.
College peer mentoring programs connect students with experienced mentors who offer guidance, advice, and support. Current college students often hold mentor positions; however, mentors can also be faculty members, alumni, administrators, or staff.
Students are matched with an upper-level student mentor based on common interests, background, academic and professional aspirations. To get started, students and mentors complete a characteristics survey to determine preferences.
Topics discussed will include:
- How will my major impact my professional options?
- How do I balance the demands of school, sleep and socializing?
- How can I set myself up for academic, social and career success?
- How do I make connections with peers and professional contacts?
- Academic Enhancements
- Increased student engagement
- Increased support where resources are limited
- Institutional Commitment/Retention Efforts
- Reduction in first-year attrition
- Reduction in workload for advisors
- Socioemotional Programming
- Increased sense of community
- Improved student satisfaction
- Personal support: familial, relationship, or financial support.
Related Resources
Contact Us
For questions about the program, please contact: (name and email)