Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors

Student Engagement

Peer Mentors at the Hood College Dinking Ceremony

What is a Peer Mentor?

We know that transitioning to life at college can be overwhelming, but Peer Mentors are here to help with everything incoming students need to know to feel at home at Hood! Peer Mentors are vital to the student transition experience, helping new Blazers feel welcomed, supported, and confident as they begin their academic journey. As an institution that values building community and a sense of belonging, Hood College relies on Peer Mentors to promote these values from the very first point of contact with new students. Peer Mentors are carefully selected and trained to provide guidance, support, and insight into college life, drawing from their experiences to offer advice and encouragement.

As a new student, Peer Mentors assist with navigating academic expectations, understanding campus resources, and making meaningful connections with the campus community. Through group activities, one-on-one check-ins, and continued support beyond New Student Orientation, Peer Mentors connect with their mentees to help foster a sense of belonging and inclusion at Hood. Peer Mentors are here to help reduce uncertainty and anxiety and to help the newest members of our campus community take ownership of their college experience.

Peer Mentor Structure

Each year, Hood College employs 25–30 student Peer Mentors who are organized into approximately 15 groups. Each group typically supports 30 incoming first-year and transfer students, helping them navigate the transition to college and build connections within the Hood community. Recognizing that the transfer student experience can differ from that of incoming first-year students, transfer students are placed in dedicated groups led by a Peer Mentor Leader who understands and supports their unique transition to Hood.

Peer Mentor Expectations

  • Understand that this position is a yearlong assignment, with weekly staff meetings and trainings 
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Trainings, Meetings, and Assessments 
    • Participation in required Peer Mentor Training 
    • Attend scheduled meetings with supervisor as necessary 
    • Engage in monthly information sharing and professional development activities coordinated by the Director 
    • Participate in assessment strategies intended to strengthen the mentoring program 
  • Summer Orientation Programs 
    • Participation in summer Hood Ready sessions 
    • Participation in the entire New Student Orientation program, including but not limited to:  
      • Work in teams to co-facilitate and mentor a group of new students, leading them successfully through the three-day fall orientation process involving teambuilding, academic and social activities 
      • Assist new students in becoming comfortable with the Hood community and their fellow classmates 
      • Ensuring and tracking mentee participation in orientation activities and alerting college administrators to concerns when mentees are not successfully transitioning 
      • Assist in the set-up and tear-down of fall orientation equipment 
      • Assist with the assembling of activities packets, posting signs, and other support tasks as needed 
  • New Student Outreach and Communication 
    • Fall 
      • Facilitate monthly on-going engagement opportunities in September, October, and November for your mentees during the Fall semester, specifically targeting the following time blocks: 
        • First three weeks of the semester 
        • Mid-term grade reporting 
        • Academic advising period 
        • Pre-final exam period  
        • Communicate with mentees throughout the semester
    • Spring
      • Responsible for contacting an assigned group of mentees during the spring semester and providing guidance and support through a combination of email, social media connection, phone conversations, and zoom 
      • Facilitate monthly on-going engagement opportunities in February, March, and April for your mentees during the Spring semester, specifically targeting the following time blocks: 
        • First three weeks of the semester 
        • Mid-term grade reporting 
        • Academic advising period 
        • Pre-final exam period  
        • Communicate with mentees throughout the semester
  • Mentorship
    • Become acquainted with all assigned mentees and establish positive relationships by being friendly, responsible, and helpful
    • Serve as a positive role model through your personal, academic, and social behavior (adhering to all College policies, staying in good academic standing, and maintaining a clean judicial and academic record)
    • Be knowledgeable about campus resources and services for appropriate recommendations and referrals
    • Provide information to mentees about upcoming orientation and other events targeted to first year students  
    • Provide outcomes reports following each event
       

Applications for 2027-2028

Applications for 2027-2028 Peer Mentors will open on Monday, November 16.

For More Information

Contact studentengagement@hood.edu.

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