Center for Student Success

Peer Mentors

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

A Peer Mentor is a student staff member who provides leadership through the Center for Student Success (CSS). Peer Mentors provide support to first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) students by serving as a role model to about 10 first-year students. They help new students navigate collegiate life, get connected with resources, identify and solve problems, and ultimately assist in making their transition to college as smooth as possible.

CSS Peer Mentors go through a rigorous application and training process. Often involved in many other activities on campus, they have inside knowledge of life at Oberlin. To help ensure that first-generation and high financial need students are connected and supported, Peer Mentors touch base with their mentees at least once a month to offer guidance and check on their acclimation to campus. They also hold events twice a month to aid new students in building community and a sense of belonging. First-year FGIE students can expect to hear from the Peer Mentors mid-summer about upcoming opportunities for connection.

Peer Mentors

"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

CSS Peer Mentors take their role as campus leaders very seriously and are dedicated to providing the best support to first-year FGIE students - but they also want to have fun! Mentors provide a lot of support to first-year first-generation and income-eligible students through a variety of sources:

  • They send monthly emails to mentees that point out upcoming campus deadlines, important events, and collegiate news.
  • Lead F1RST Fridays: Peer Mentors provide the leadership and management of F1RST Fridays - they book the speakers, make the arrangements for the event, and lead the discussions.
  • Create content for The F1RST, Oberlin's campus newsletter specifically for the first-generation and income-eligible campus community. This newsletter, solely designed by Peer Mentors and other first-generation students, delivers information on campus resources, provides insight into the F1RST at Oberlin campus community, and offers tips and tricks to succeed in college and beyond.
  • Monthly social events: Need a study buddy? Want to check out a recital but don't want to go alone? Peer Mentors work with their mentees to develop monthly social events that create community and help students feel connected to the campus at large.
  • One-on-one meetings: If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed with your collegiate journey - that's normal! You can meet with your Peer Mentor to talk to someone who has been there and understands. They've been properly trained to connect you with the resources you need to thrive.

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