L.E.A.P. (Leading to Engage All Panthers)

Peer Mentoring Program

To BECOME a L.E.A.P Peer Mentor, fill out the online application.

The Peer Helper Program was founded in 1985 by the Afro-American Studies Program in order to help African-American students make the transition to EIU. Today the peer mentoring program is called L.E.A.P (Leading to Engage All Panthers), has expanded to include all interested new freshmen, and is coordinated by the Office of Belonging, Access & Engagement.

The program was designed to give new students both a sense of belonging and the confidence of knowing that there is someone to whom they can turn for help and guidance during the first, critical semester. Our main goal is to help our new students to successfully bond with the university socially and academically.

How does it work?

A new freshman will be carefully matched up with a trained upper-classman. Your L.E.A.P. Peer Mentor will not only serve as your mentor for the entire fall semester, but also a friend that will be able to answer any questions you have about the campus, your classes, and college life in general. Even before you arrive on campus, you can expect to hear from your L.E.A.P Peer Mentor.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact the Yolanda Williams at 581-6690 or yvwilliams@eiu.edu.

To REQUEST a L.E.A.P. Peer Mentor, fill out the online application. Apply Now!

Do you want to BE a L.E.A.P. Peer Mentor?

Thank you for your interest in the L.E.A.P. Peer Mentoring positions. This mentoring program was designed to assist incoming freshmen students get acclimated to the university. This support is vital to the retention of underrepresented and first-generation college students at EIU. Freshman relationships with peer mentors will provide a support system that encourages academic, social, and cultural development.

Essential Qualifications

• Must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours by the end of the Spring semester.
• Must have and maintian a 2.5 semester GPA .
• Be in and maintain good academic and disciplinary standing with the University.
• Have a desire to help new students and understand the time commitment involved in being a peer mentor.

Skills and Abilities

• Be a team player and representative of EIU;
• Be willing to learn and grow through the position;
• Possess a high level of maturity;
• Be flexible and willing to put the group’s needs above personal needs;
• Value and appreciate diversity in cultures, values, and personality;
• Be an effective communicator with your mentee;
• Cooperate with other Peer Mentors, faculty, and staff;
• Maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm when working long days, evenings and/or weekends;
• Be able to adapt and adjust quickly to different situations;
• Be able to analyze information and make informed decisions;
• Be able to accept new tasks and responsibilities.

Time Commitment

• All L.E.A.P. Peer Mentors must to be able to attend the trainings and meetings.
• All L.E.A.P. Peer Mentors are expected to participate in all official L.E.A.P. functions.
• All L.E.A.P. Peer Mentors must submit appropriate reports by the required due dates.
• All L.E.A.P. Peer Mentors will help with set-up/breakdown of L.E.A.P. activities/ events.
• At the conclusion of the fall semester, all L.E.A.P. Peer Mentors must meet complete the program evaluation.
• Term of position: August – December.

To BECOME a L.E.A.P Peer Mentor, fill out the online application. Apply Now!