Students walking in front of Luther Hall

First Year Mentoring

The first year of college can be an overwhelming transition for incoming students as they adjust to a new living space, meet new people, and create new routines away from home. The First-Year Peer Mentoring Program was created to assist first-year students with their academic and personal transition to college. Each section of SEM 100 (first-year seminar) is assigned a mentor who will attend class twice a week and interact as directed by the course instructor. Mentors serve as a peer support resource in the classroom as well as through one-on-one meetings outside of the classroom.

Seminar 100 Course

Who are the Peer Mentors?
Peer Mentors are successful 2nd, 3rd, or 4th students who have participated in training to assist students in a variety of ways. Peer Mentors know the resources available to students on campus and can help students find the support they need to be successful. Mentors serve as role models to first-year students throughout the full academic year.

What topics should I discuss with my Peer Mentor?
Mentoring relationships can take many different forms and the benefits vary from relationship to relationship.  Here are some examples of topics mentors have discussed with mentees:

  • Transitioning to Wartburg
  • Time Management
  • Roommate concerns
  • Specific Wartburg resources and referrals
  • How to get involved and connected on campus
  • Career Exploration/Major Resources
  • Goal setting
  • Stress reduction and motivation
  • Navigating new friendships
  • Studying and test-preparation techniques
  • Connecting with their academic advisor
  • And much, much more!

Questions?
Contact Amy Tucker at amy.tucker@wartburg.edu or 319-352-8651.

New Students

Peer Mentors