Center for Student Success

Peer Mentors

The adjustment to college can be challenging and confusing for first-year students - especially if you're the first in your family to attend college. To help make the transition successful, the Peer Mentor program at Oberlin College and Conservatory offers peer-to-peer support for new first-generation and income-eligible Obies.

A Peer Mentor is a trained student staff member who provides leadership to first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) first year students. Peer Mentors are returning FGIE students who are often involved in many other activities on campus and they understand what it's like to navigate college and need some additional support. To help ensure that first-generation and high financial need students are connected and supported, Peer Mentors touch base with their mentees to offer guidance and check on their acclimation to campus. They also hold monthly community building events to aid new students in expanding their social network on campus. 

Check out the CSS Instagram to learn more about the Peer Mentor program.

"I loved everything about this program. It really helped me connect with other students like me and get to know more resources on campus. Having a Peer Mentor was very helpful so I could have input from a student like me who has been through all this."

—2018 BGM Scholar

Peer Mentors provide guidance to first-year FGIE students through a variety of touchpoints:

  • Regular emails: Virtual check-ins to point out upcoming campus deadlines, important events, and collegiate news.
  • Workshops: Peer Mentors assist in running pre-orientation, virtual workshops and events, and tabling activities for FGIE support.
  • F1RST Fridays: Monthly community building events that offer connection, conversation, and resources. Peer Mentors help students feel connected to the campus at large.
  • The F1RST: Mentors contribute to and edit Oberlin's virtual campus newsletter specifically for the first-generation and income-eligible campus community. The F1RST newsletter delivers information on campus resources, provides insight into the FGIE campus community, and offers tips and tricks for collegiate success.
  • Monthly meetings: Feeling a bit overwhelmed with your collegiate journey? Meet with your Peer Mentor to talk to someone who has been there and understands. 

Are you a returning FGIE student interested in becoming a Peer Mentor? Contact css@oberlin.edu or call (440) 775-8600 for details.