About the Program
The Center for Academic Development Services (CADS) Peer Mentoring Program is designed to assist incoming freshmen with the transition from high school to college life. The goal of the peer mentoring program is to enhance the college experience for first- time students at the University at Buffalo by providing them with mentors who are experienced upper- classmen. The mission of the Peer Mentoring Program is to a.) Assist students entering university study to achieve their personal and academic goals with mentor support, and b.) To enable incoming student to develop life management skills such as decision making, goal setting, time management, dealing with conflicts, values clarification, and skills for coping with stress and fear.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is a particular relationship in which a person with identified abilities, talents, or competencies enables another person to develop his or her own abilities and talents.
Mentors advise, coach, counsel, teach, and model successful behaviors. These roles may vary depending on the needs and abilities of both the mentor and the mentee. Mentees are active participants in this relationship acknowledging their mentor and seeking assistance in specific skill areas.
CADS mentors are upper class students with proven success in the college environment. They are trained, committed, and caring individuals who are willing to take the time to assist their mentees.
The ultimate goal of the CADS Peer Mentor Program is for mentors to effectively provide social and emotional support to new CADS freshmen and transfer students.
The Role of the Mentee
Takes responsibility for communicating what he/she wants. Assumes self responsibility for agreed upon action steps. Is honest and respectful.
Benefit to the Mentee
Is able to develop confidence in their ability to make important lifestyle changes. Is able to clarify and prioritize wellness goals. Learns important and powerful behavior change strategies. Receives unconditional support in working towards their personalized action plan. Develops a sense of achievement in meeting their short—term and long— term goals.
The Role of the Mentor
Facilitates solutions to external and internal blocks. Assists mentee in making sense of the maze that college can be by identifying, prioritizing, and implementing choices. Caring, compassionate and respectful interaction that elicits effective two—way communication is the very essence of successful mentoring.
Benefit to the Mentor
Gives the mentor a sense of fulfillment in serving and helping others. It is also a great résumé builder!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ?????
Q. Who can get a mentor?
The CADS Peer Mentoring program is available to all ACE, EOP, and SSS students.
Q. Do I have to pay for any of these services?
No, the CADS Peer Mentoring Program services are free to participating students.
Q. How often must I meet with my mentor during the semester?
A. You should meet with your mentor at least once a week, but feel free to contact them when you have questions.
Q. How do I apply for a mentor?
A. Pick up and complete an application form for the Peer Mentoring Program in 255 Capen and return it to the Coordinator.
PREVIOUS MENTORS & MENTEES SHARE THEIR COMMENTS
“. . . [The Peer Mentor Program] means working together to achieve stability in a positive way.” ~Tameeka, Mentor
“I would recommend this program to other incoming first-year students because my mentor gave me guidelines to follow for a successful future in college.” ~ Male Freshman, Mentee
“I thought . . . [The Peer Mentor Program] simply meant establishing a mutually beneficial relationship. I know I gave a lot in terms of my time and advice and stuff, but in return, my mentee enriched my life in ways I’m sure she never imagined!” ~Amanda, Mentor
“. . . From my mentor I gained more knowledge of college, both socially and academically . . .my mentor was like my friend—cool and not too strict.” ~Male Freshman, Mentee
Program Applications
Contact Information
Please visit the Contacts page for our contact information.
"The things we have to learn before we do them, we learn by doing them." ~ Aristotle