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 student staff member who provides leadership through the Center for Student Success (CSS). Peer Mentors provide support to first-generation and income-eligible (FGIE) first year students by serving as a role model and helping them navigate collegiate life, get connected with resources, identify and solve problems, and ultimately assist in making their transition to college as smooth as possible.
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 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.
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
Peer Mentors are dedicated to providing the best support to first-year FGIE students - but they also want to have fun! Mentors provide guidance to first-year FGIE students through a variety of sources:
- Monthly emails: Virtual check-ins to point out upcoming campus deadlines, important events, and collegiate news.
- F1RST Fridays: Monthly community building events that offer connection, conversation, and cover resources.
- The F1RST: 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 social events: Need a study buddy? Want to check out a recital but don't want to go alone? Peer Mentors help students feel connected to the campus at large.
- One-on-one 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.