Hampshire College

Apply to be a Peer Mentee by August 11, 2008 (extended deadline)
Students can join the program at any time during their first year.

Apply to be a Peer Mentor


Program Description
Incoming students of color and international students are matched with returning students of color and international students. The program was developed in response to students’ concerns about the retention of students of color and international students at Hampshire College.

Transitioning to life at Hampshire College can be confusing and challenging for many students. It is often hard to understand the divisional process and to access resources and support services. This can be particularly difficult for students of color and international students who may be coming from a very different cultural context than the one here at Hampshire.

"I came to college with excitement and skepticism. My Peer Mentor helped me adjust to being in a more rural area, surrounded by many people who didn't look like me. She helped me navigate everything from my tutorial to my weekend social life. Most of all, being in PMP instilled a passion in me that has stayed with me into my third year. Looking back, I'm so glad I was able to take advantage of the resources that Hampshire has to offer." -- Joyce Li, F05

Peer mentors provide incoming students with the informal support they may need to adjust to life at Hampshire and college, informing them about student groups; residential life; the divisional process; and the various services and resources available to students at Hampshire and in the surrounding community.

In order to have an optimal experience, mentees and mentors need to participate fully in the various monthly activities and to check in with each other regularly.

Activities
The Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) organizes dinners, off-campus trips, gatherings with faculty, and workshops to help orient incoming students to campus life and to give all mentors/mentees an opportunity to get to know each other in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Expectations of Peer Mentors

o Commit to being a peer mentor for one year.

o Attend the mandatory PMP Orientation.

o Meet with mentees on a regular basis or phone them every couple of weeks.

o Serve as mentors to new students by demonstrating a personal interest in their adjustment to Hampshire while recognizing and accepting the new student's individuality.

o Become familiar with new students' personal and academic interests as well as future educational and career goals.

o Provide students with academic survival information to help them cope with common academic adjustment problems encountered by new students.

o Attend and participate in the programs, workshops, and social activities planned for the Peer Mentorship Program throughout the academic year.

o Serve as a leader and a role model for the incoming students.

* Students can fulfill the community service requirement through this program. Check with your Division II committee first.

Estimated time expected per semester: 10 to 24 hours

Apply to be a Peer Mentee by August 11, 2008 (extended deadline)
Students can join the program at any time during their first year.

Apply to be a Peer Mentor