Brief Program Description 

The SFS Peer Mentorship Program was established by the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Office to ensure that students of diverse backgrounds receive the mentoring and peer-to-peer advising needed to succeed as they transition to college. It is intended to help a large campus community seem smaller as connections are made. We hope mentors encourage and enable new students to take advantage of all Georgetown offers. 

Drawing on the expertise of our SFS Mentors from different grade levels, diverse backgrounds, and varied majors, this program seeks to foster a climate across SFS that ensures first-year students from a wide range of experiences are equipped to succeed. Through the program, we hope to provide students with new support networks and advice to navigate SFS, dorm life, CAPS, academe, career planning, and much more. 

Mission:

The SFS Peer Mentorship Program (PMP) supports first-year undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds in transitioning to Georgetown University. 

Goal:

To increase retention by alleviating initial isolation, increasing student involvement and interaction, providing students with encouragement and inspiration, and bridging the gap to institutional services and support systems. A series of programs and activities are designed to assist students with their adjustment to college life.

Intended Outcomes:

  • Relationships among experienced students and first-year students
  • Students acclimated to college life at Georgetown through involvement, access to campus resources, and academic success
    •  (i.e., CAPS, Career Center, CMEA, ARC, Academic Advising, etc.)

Mentors

PMP mentors are undergraduate juniors and seniors from various majors. Mentors must be in good academic and institutional standing, with a minimum 3.25 GPA. Mentors are selected and trained to support first-year students facing various challenges. Serving as a mentor allows students to build their skill set as exceptional student leaders and to work closely with SFS staff. 

Mentor Expectations 

Under the guidance of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mentors will participate in planned PMP events, monthly mentor meetings, and monthly engagement with mentees. Each Mentor will set personal goals for the success of the mentoring relationship. The Mentor will guide Mentees, as requested, using their experiences to offer perspective and inform mentees about various resources available to help. The Mentee will take responsibility for their growth and success. Both the Mentor and the Mentee must maintain the confidentiality of the relationship. The formal mentoring relationship will conclude after one academic year in the program. Beyond the first year, peer mentees and peer mentors can opt to continue their relationship on an informal basis if desired. 

Mentor Requirements:

  • Attend orientation/training
  • Be an undergraduate Junior and Senior in SFS
  • Maintain a 3.25 GPA 
  • Be willing to dedicate 5 hours per month for the academic year to mentorship 

Mentor Responsibilities: 

  • Meet with your Mentee in person, via Zoom, and through text communication
  • Complete a monthly Activity Log
  • Stay accessible, committed, and engaged for the length of the program 
  • Work with your mentee to create personal, professional, and academic goals for the Mentee’s first year in college
  • Provide support and encouragement where needed and help point Mentees to campus resources and involvement opportunities

Benefits of Program to Peer Mentor:

  • Mentors gain mentorship skills and added value for future career roles
  • Mentors are trained on how to handle different situations
  • Mentors receive a stipend at the end of the semester

Mentee

The SFS Peer Mentorship Program is open to incoming first-semester undergraduates. It supports students from underrepresented populations (racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, LGBTQ+ students, first-generation students, international students, veterans, students with disabilities,  etc.) to assist in effectively connecting them to the Georgetown community.  Once accepted into the program, first-year students are paired with a junior or senior as a peer mentor. Mentees are matched with peer mentors based on several criteria and preferences (identity, academic interests, hobbies, and extracurricular activities).

Mentee Expectations

  • Connect with your mentor monthly
  • Communicate needs for support to Mentor & SFS Staff
  • Attend monthly events 
  • Express commitment to the program
  • Complete end-of-semester evaluation

Mentee Requirements:

  • 2 PMP Events per semester (can include community workshops, programs, and events)
  • 3 Interactions with your Mentor per month (minimum!)
  • At least 1 in-person engagement must be a non-text interaction 

Benefits of Program to Mentee:

  • The feeling of belonging & community
  • Academic, personal & social resources and activities
  • Enhanced awareness of campus and community resources and services
  • Higher level of confidence and self-efficacy

When a student has been accepted into the program, they will be notified via email and invited to attend the PMP kick-off event. During the PMP Kick-off event, Mentees meet their Mentors and receive an overview of the program, including the expectations for participating in the PMP Program. Mentees will also confirm their commitment to the program by completing a Mentee Contract.

Mentee Application Mentor Application