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Home » Academics » Centers & Programs » First-Year Experience » Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors

The FYS course includes peer mentors in the form of Austin College students who function as leaders within the First Year Seminar.  These students are hand selected by each faculty member and provide the “insider’s view” to life at the College.

 

These peer mentors participate as active members of each course, bridging the gap between student and faculty member and providing useful information, guidance, and support to our newest 'Roos.

 

"I loved getting to help the new freshmen transition into college life to help them get through their first semester."

"I enjoyed continuing to foster the relationships I built with the FYS students and learning from the professor I was working with."

"Being able to establish a strong interpersonal relationship with my peers by offering advice to make sure their college experience was the best for them was what made the experience worthwhile."

"The best part was feeling like I could really help the students navigate better in their transition from high school to college life, especially in academics." 

FYS

Meet the current Peer Mentor Ambassadors!

Spencer Wynne

Spencer Wynne

Class of 2024 Hometown: Dallas, TX Concentration: History major, Education minor Why I Want to be a Peer Mentor Ambassador: I wanted to be a peer mentor ambassador because I enjoyed my peer mentor experience so much, and want to make sure the incoming freshmen enjoy their first year here. I love gaining experience and… [Read More]

Bekah Perales

Bekah Perales

Class of 2024 Hometown: San Antonio, TX Concentration: English/Spanish majors and Education minor Why I Want to be a Peer Mentor Ambassador: I wanted to see the behind the scenes of the First-Year Experience and all the planning that goes into it! I am very excited to be a part in creating/organizing it all.

Sammi Thiele

Sammi Thiele

Class of 2024 Hometown: Keller, Tx Concentration: English major, Education minor Why I Want to be a Peer Mentor Ambassador: Because I want to stay involved with the freshmen class and hopefully somebody current peer mentors look to for advice and comfort!

FYS Peer Mentor Frequently Asked Questions

What is expected of an FYS Peer Mentor? Expand

FYS Peer Mentor responsibilities vary from professor to another, but include some or all of the following: 

  • Participating in a spring semester training session
  • Participating in August training (typically 2 days before first-year students arrive)
  • Assisting with beginning-of-year orientation for freshmen 
  • Helping freshmen with registration 
  • Attending (and preparing for) the FYS class as instructed by the professor 
  • Helping with the FYS class, which may include some of the following: 
    • Grading, testing and other teaching assistant activities as agreed to by the professor 
    • Assisting freshmen with writing skills if requested by the professor 
    • Teaching a class session if requested by the professor 
    • Coordinating with professor and/or professional staff as needed to respond to personal crises freshmen may confide to you as a student leader. 
Do I get course credit to be an FYS peer mentor? Expand

Yes!  Each FYS peer mentor enrolls in FYS 245, a 1.0 credit course taken S/D/U in the fall semester.  The position is not otherwise paid or compensated.  Most peer mentors use FYS 245 as their fourth course, but you can also take it as a fifth course on top of your other planned coursework.  If you’re unsure if it will fit into your academic plan, be sure to talk to your mentor.

How does the Peer Mentor application process work? Expand

There is an online application form for you to fill out. Please read the following instructions carefully.

  • If a specific FYS professor has asked you to apply to be one of their peer mentors, then in Step #2 of the application, select that professor’s name.
  • If you would like to be considered by any FYS professor to be one of their peer mentors, then in Step #2 of the application select “Open Applicant.” (Please note that not all FYS professors consider open applicants).
    • NOTE: when you apply, you will be asked to submit the email address of a faculty member to serve as a reference. Please be sure you have contacted that faculty member beforehand to ask them to serve as your reference prior to submitting their email address.
Who's teaching FYS this year? Expand
  • Saritha Bangara
  • Nate Bigelow
  • Wayne Crannell
  • Josh Edge
  • Michael Fairley
  • Loriann Garcia
  • Felix Harcourt
  • Aaron Harrison
  • Mindy Landeck
  • Peter Marks
  • Jack Mealy
  • Wayne Meyer
  • Kerri-Anne Mitchell
  • Mark Monroe
  • Andra Petrean
  • Ashley Tharayil
  • Hunt Tooley
  • Ivette Vargas-O’Bryan
  • Brian Watkins
Are there any restrictions on being a Peer Mentor? Expand

Yes – you cannot be an Peer Mentor if (a) you have already served as an Peer Mentor (or FSL/CL) before, or (b) if you will be on academic or social probation during fall term you wish to serve as an Peer Mentor. 

If I apply, am I assured of being a Peer Mentor? Expand

No. Each professor is responsible for choosing their Peer Mentors, and if the number of applicants exceeds the number of Peer Mentors needed, you may not be chosen. 

A professor who is teaching FYS next fall has already contacted me about being their Peer Mentor. Do I still need to fill out this application? Expand

Yes; everyone who wishes to be a Peer Mentor must complete the application. 

I have not been contacted by any FYS professor. Can I still apply to be a Peer Mentor? Expand

Yes.  While many professors actively seek out specific students to serve as Peer Mentors, others choose their Peer Mentors from those who apply as “open applicants.” Hence the sooner you complete your application, the better your chances of being considered for a Peer Mentor position. 

Is it okay for me to contact a professor on the list, to see if they would consider me? Expand

Yes, so long as you understand that some professors may tell you they have already chosen their Peer Mentors. 

I didn't take a first year seminar - can I still apply? Expand

Yes, but be sure to read over the Austin College Bulletin description of First-Year Seminar so you understand what the program entails. 

If I cannot attend Peer Mentor training (held once in the spring semester and in August 2 days before the first-year students arrive) or I cannot be here for the orientation, can I still apply? Expand

No.  These are required elements of being a Peer Mentor, and hence if you cannot attend all these events, you should not apply.

What if, after being chosen as a Peer Mentor, I am placed on either academic or social probation? Can I still be a Peer Mentor? Expand

No, you cannot.

What should I do if I still have questions? Expand

Contact Erin Copple Smith, Director of First-Year Experience (firstyear@austincollege.edu)

FYS Move In

Fall 2023

  • Peer Mentor Application 2023 (application period runs March 6-31, 2023)
  • Peer Mentor Reference Form

Questions?  Contact us at firstyear@austincollege.edu.

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