Peer Mentoring Program

Definition: A way to help students succeed and a way for successful students, who have maneuvered the newness of the college entry process, to give back.

Mission/Purpose: The peer mentoring program at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College is designed to increase student retention while providing an ongoing orientation to all aspects of college life.

Goals:

1. To ensure a smooth transition for new and transfer students and a connection to the college environment.
2. To link academics, career development, and the quality of student involvement during the college experience.
3. To provide positive and relevant role models.
4. To support students while they are establishing important career and educational goals.
5. To provide a consistent and reliable source of support, direction and inspiration for students.
6. To provide structured programming where students can discuss and reflect on their college experience.

• To provide a variety of social and intellectual activities
• To promote leadership among students
• To promote activities that will assist with student retention and adjustment to college
• To enhance relationships between students, administrators, faculty, staff, and the community
• To promote personal, academic, social, and post-graduate success

• Returning students who remember exactly what it was like to be a new student on campus
• Those who would like to make a difference in the lives of their fellow college students
• Students who have a sincere desire to be involved, listen, empathize, be flexile and open about the rigors of college
• Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average, and have completed at least twelve credits at the Alexandria campus
• Be willing to commit 10-20 hours per semester
• Attend leadership/mentor training
• Be willing to keep in contact with participants throughout the academic year providing tutoring, mentoring, and friendship

Peer Mentoring Program - Peer Mentor Application

If Interested in the Peer Mentoring Program Contact:

Darlene DuBose
Peer Support Counselor
Northern Virginia Community College
Academic Center for Excellence
Bisdorf Room AA229
703.933.3995
ddubose@nvcc.edu