Western Michigan University
Disability Services for Students Peer Mentor

Disability Services for Students at Western Michigan University offers a peer mentor program for new students interested in establishing skills, techniques and strategies for navigating university life, both academically and living in the college community. During my junior and senior year I was paired with 3-4 students each semester and met with them weekly to help them with the transition into college and support.

The following are services I provided to students as part of the mentoring program:

• Weekly meeting with a peer mentor.

• Assistance in development of study skills and time management techniques.

• Assistance with self-advocating to instructors about academic needs in classes.

• Academic monitoring.

• Assistance with resources on and off campus.

• Incentives for meeting all requirements of mentor program.

Because I represent Disability Services for Student, I have to be in touch with what is going on within the center and around campus. This role has taught me the important of teamwork, organization, and a readiness to take on the unexpected.