BME Peer Mentoring
Program Overview
The BME Peer Mentoring Program was designed to complement our advising resources by allowing students to connect with their peers and learn from their experiences. By partnering first- and second-year students with upperclassmen student mentors, the program facilitates a safe, one-on-one environment for students to discuss their personal experiences, learn about new opportunities, and find a support network of peers and faculty who are dedicated to helping students achieve a successful college experience.
Why Peer Mentoring?
Our faculty and staff are invaluable sources of academic assistance however, college is not always about academics. Coming to college, students are often faced with questions such as "How do I balance my workload with extracurriculars?", "What student organizations should I join?", and "Where are the best places to hang out/study on campus?" Who better to answer these questions than other students who have been in their shoes? That is where peer mentoring comes in. Working alongside our academic advisors, faculty, and staff, peer mentors are upperclassmen students who have successfully navigated both academics and daily college life. These students have faced the challenges of adapting to living at Michigan Tech and are eager to share their experiences, tips, and tricks for succeeding in all aspects of college. Our peer mentors are trained to help students navigate tough spots by providing personalized advice, directing them towards campus resources, and being a listening ear to talk to.
Join Our Program
Eligibility
Students
Must be a BME major
Must be able to meet with your mentor (1 hr every 2 months)
Must be willing to fill out pre- and post-meeting feedback forms (0.5 hr/form)
Mentors
Must be a BME major with at least 2 years of experience (can apply during your 2nd year as a BME)
Must be in good academic standing
Must be able to commit to bi-monthly meetings (1 hr every 2 months)
Must be willing to fill out post-meeting feedback forms (0.5 hr)
Must dedicate time towards creating a plan for each student-mentor meeting (1 hr every 2 months)
Preference for students with good academics and involvement in activities beyond just major requirements (e.g. minors, concentrations, extracurriculars, student organizations, employment, etc.)
FAQs
Can I still be a peer mentor if my grades aren't the best?
Our application selection process involves a holistic review of each applicant. While good academic standing is required and success in the classroom is preferred, we know that peer mentors aren't just tutors. The role of peer mentors extends beyond the classroom and because of that, we also look for applicants with a variety of strengths and involvements (e.g. extracurriculars, student organizations, leadership, community service, etc). We encourage you to submit an application that talks about yourself as a person, not just as a student. Any specific questions regarding application requirements can be addressed on a one-on-one basis, please feel free to reach out!
What exactly happens during each meeting?
Peer mentoring is what you make of it! Before each meeting, students will get the chance to fill out a questionnaire regarding what problems, topics, or ideas they wish to discuss with their mentor. From there, the mentors will create a meeting agenda that incorporates the student's needs with additional information and topics that pertain to the student's goals. The meetings can vary from discussing which professor to take a class with to sitting down together and exploring what clubs a student might be interested in!
Contact Information
Director
Alex LaMere
3rd Year BME
amlamere@mtu.edu
Deputy Director
Cheyenne Scott
3rd Year BME
clscott@mtu.edu
Secretary
We are looking for a current 1st or 2nd year! Please contact us if you are interested in this position!
