"I appreciate my peer mentor so much. He is phenomenal and he deserves so much recognition for how invested he is in truly helping and supporting his peers. He goes above and beyond." ~Malika Pegues, Peer Mentee 2020
“Joining CUNY BA is one of the best decisions I have ever made… I have learned that self-advocacy is essential, especially in such a big program like CUNY. I would love to help new CUNY BA students learn how to navigate some of the academic and bureaucratic hurdles that may appear along the way, as well as encourage them to make the best of CUNY BA.” ~Miranda-Sofia Ranghelli-Duran, Peer Mentor, 2020
“I believe CUNY BA is an incredibly dynamic program that can help students pursue their individualized career and academic interests. However, at the same time, students may still struggle navigating the administrative bureaucracy and academic procedures while in the program… I want to help CUNY BA students feel confident about their academic plans and provide any kind of guidance, advice or mentorship to CUNY BA students who may be pursuing similar academic interests.” ~Wali Ullah, Peer Mentor, 2020
“My experience with my peer mentor and the CUNY BA Peer Mentoring program has been a real pleasure. It is a different relationship to develop with a peer - more relaxed, less pressure and a great place to let off steam about the heavy lift that designing your own program can sometimes be. Angela is a supportive, curious and friendly human that I know I can touch base with - whether it be memes or moans or news to celebrate for either of us. My experience of the CUNY BA Peer Mentor program has been really grounding over my first semester, and I hope to carry this relationship into the future.” ~Christina Marks, Peer Mentee, 2021
“Being a part of the CUNY BA mentorship program has been wonderful, I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet my mentees. Seeing their hard work and determination to have the most fulfilling undergrad experience has further motivated me in my studies.” ~Angela Vasovic, Peer Mentor, 2021
What is a Peer Mentor?
A peer mentor is a guide, coach, role model, advocate, and friend who is there to help you grow professionally and personally by sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences.
The CUNY BA Peer Mentor Program was established in 2019 to foster greater community involvement in CUNY BA and better prepare CUNY BA students for success, both in the program and beyond.
The Peer Mentor’s Role
Peer mentors supplement the guidance that students receive from their academic advisor and faculty mentor, and help their mentees successfully navigate the program. Mentor responsibilities can include, but are not limited to, helping mentees:
- Establish and maintain a productive relationship with a faculty mentor.
- Design or refine their academic plans for specific Area(s) of Concentration.
- Anticipate and navigate administrative issues, such as course registration.
- Find and participate in relevant professional and personal development opportunities.
- Succeed in their classes and enhance academic growth.
- Gain a strong source of personal and social support throughout the semester.
The Peer Mentee’s Role
Mentorship is a two-way street, and mentees invest in the relationship just as much as mentors. As such, mentees are called to:
- Be open and communicative with mentors about specific needs, goals, and challenges.
- Reach out to mentors with questions or concerns that arise throughout the semester.
- Make the most out of the partnership by respecting mentors’ time and energy.
Benefits of Program Participation
Students who participate in the peer mentor program benefit from:
- Ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities
- Enhanced communication, interpersonal, and management skills
- Networking opportunities with other CUNY BA students and staff
Peer mentors also benefit from:
- An exciting program opportunity to add to a CV or resume
- Potential volunteer hours to fulfill outstanding service requirements (dependent on specific service program criteria)
Interested in Applying? Questions?
Peer mentors and mentees are assigned for one-semester terms at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semester. If you are interested in applying to be a Peer Mentor for Fall 2024 apply here.
The CUNY BA Peer Mentor Program is overseen by the CUNY BA Fellows. If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Fellows at fellows@cunyba.cuny.edu.