This new program pairs you and other incoming students with a peer mentor for your first year at EIU. You'll meet once a week over a free meal in any dining hall, along with approximately 5 other transfer students. During this time, you'll receive support from your mentors about the academic, social, and financial aspects of life on a college campus. You'll have a strong foundation for your college career, and the supportive curriculum and peer-to-peer mentorship ensures that you'll be set up for future success as EIU students.
As part of the program, you'll be assigned to a mentoring group based on the preferences you filled out in your application, and you'll meet weekly with your group to discuss your transfer experience and provide supportive resources for your first year of college. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 1.
As a peer mentor, you'll meet with a group of approximately 5 students once a week at a designated time. You'll be given a meal swipe to cover the meal costs for you and your group members. You may be required to hold virtual meetings. Your role will be critical in helping the students in your group develop the necessary skills to be successful in college. The program will also develop your own leadership skills, personal growth and campus involvement.
You'll learn to take initiative, communicate effectively, and relate to their fellow students. Workshops during mentor training will help these student leaders learn the basic skills necessary to become effective and charismatic leaders.
You must be at least a sophomore at EIU to qualify. You'll receive support from graduate assistants, who will hold monthly meetings for you and other group leaders to track progress of the mentorship groups, review upcoming curriculum, and provide additional leadership education. You will be notified before the semester begins if you have been selected as a mentor for the Transfer Connection program.
1230 Old Main 600 Lincoln Ave. Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-2223
(217) 581-2223
admissions@eiu.edu