Mentorship program connects students with peer supports

August 2, 2024 - Jane Deacon

As they navigate the transition to life on campus this fall, first-year Madison students will have the opportunity to connect with mentors who can relate: fellow JMC students.

James Madison College’s First-Year Mentoring Program will pair incoming students with upper-level peer mentors within the college. Mentors will connect new students to the JMC community, help cultivate a sense of belonging, and provide information and academic resources on campus.

By fostering one-on-one connections between students, peer mentoring programs help promote a sense of belonging on campus and encourage academic success.

JMC’s academic advising team designed the program’s structure to foster meaningful connections throughout the academic year. A fall kick-off event in October will officially welcome mentors and mentees to the program. The pairs are then expected to attend at least one JMC event and one in-person meeting per month and stay in touch electronically on a weekly basis. New Wednesday evening programing at JMC will provide regular opportunities to fulfill the monthly event requirement.

Mentors will receive training at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, along with additional monthly guidance, to ensure they have the necessary resources to support their mentee and refer them to additional on-campus supports. Mentors will receive payment of $250 at the end of each semester after meeting the program’s performance and reporting expectations.