UT as a nationally recognized leader in peer mentoring:

1. UT as a nationally recognized leader in peer mentoring: Every first year student will be assigned a trained peer mentor through a structured program. r. 6/1/09

2. Program Objectives • To have a transformative effect on the retention of first year students and the persistence of continuing students who serve as peer mentors • To ingrain peer mentorship into UT culture

3. Program Overview • Train and assign a peer mentor to first year students at UT • Assist with adjustment issues • Help first year students get connected to UT • Provide information and encouragement about using UT programs and services • Assign Faculty/Staff mentors to peer mentors • Accountability and encouragement

4. The 4 Pillars of R-2-R * Responsibility * Success Personal Accountability Academic Rigor Health & Safety Academic Integrity Time Management Academic Relationships * Belonging * Aspire Get Informed Look to the Future Get Connected Set Goals Meaningful Relationships Start your Career Now

5. The Balance of Student Involvement * Responsibility * Social Connection Personal Accountability Networking Health & Safety Recreation & Fun Prioritize – Academics first Stress Relief * Leadership * Aspire Personal Development Today / Tomorrow Decisions Giving Back Set Goals Leave a Legacy Start your Career Now

6. Collaboration • Existing programs and student organizations involved in leadership and mentorship development will be invited to recommend peer mentors as “feeder programs” • Faculty/Staff mentors will be recruited campus wide • Mentees will be educated about the program in cooperation with Admissions and Rocket Launch • A “Rocket-2-Rocket Mentor Center” will provide a physical space for programming, training, and support • BAJ classes can provide opportunities for program discussion, application and evaluation

7. Benefits to First Year Students • “Been there, done that” guidance from a peer in overcoming college adjustment issues • A friendly name and face to turn to with questions and concerns • A knowledgeable support system in getting connected to UT programs, services and resources • Positive networking with trusted student leaders

8. To GET a Peer Mentor… Gain admission to UT as a first year student. Go to the R-2-R facebook page and complete/submit the survey. What is the college under which you were admitted to UT? (“click one” menu) What is your hometown? Check your top 3 co-curricular interests (“click three” menu)

9. Peer Mentor Incentives • Opportunity to actively contribute to student-centeredness at UT • Gaining in-depth information on UT culture, traditions, and resources • Receive a Faculty/Staff mentor • Campus wide recognition; t-shirt, pin, lanyard, etc. • Opportunity to receive a co-curricular transcript upon graduation • Internship and practicum requirements may apply to the experience

10. Peer Mentor Qualifications • Must be recommended by a “feeder program” • Minimum GPA requirement • Must complete an on-line commitment letter • Must complete a “Lifeline Training” session

11. Peer Mentor Commitments • Mentorship Training • Mentorship Kick-Off Party • Connect with F/S Mentor once per month • Connect with 1-3 mentees during the school year • Personal check in conversation at least once per week • Take mentees to 3 on-campus, UT sponsored activities or events each semester, i.e. student org meeting, athletic event, CAP event, UT traditional event, etc. • Connect mentees to UT resources as needed • Weekly journal entries sent to F/S mentor • End of the year Recognition Ceremony

12. To BECOME a Peer Mentor… Go to the Dean of Student’s website. Click on the R-2-R button at the bottom of the page and complete/submit the peer mentor commitment letter. Attend a R-2-R peer mentor training session.

13. Faculty/StaffMentor Incentives • Opportunity to actively contribute to student-centeredness at UT • Opportunity to connect with students outside of class and programs • Opportunity to directly support and encourage student leaders to persist and succeed at UT

14. Faculty / Staff Mentor Qualifications • Strong commitment to student-centeredness • Complete an on-line commitment letter • Complete a Rocket-2-Rocket briefing • Willingness to serve as mentor to 1-5 student leaders

15. Faculty / Staff Mentor Commitments • Encouraged to attend the Kick-off Party • Receive and respond to weekly journal entries • Connect student mentees to UT resources as needed • Personal connection to peer mentors • Attend end of the year Recognition Ceremony

16. To Become a FACULTY/STAFF Mentor… Go to the Dean of Student’s website. Click on the R-2-R button at the bottom of the page and complete/submit the faculty/staff mentor commitment letter. Attend a R-2-R faculty/staff mentor briefing session.

17. Program Administration Rocket-2-Rocket Launch Teams Recruitment and Outreach Team (Amelia & Michele) recruiting mentors, matching mentors to mentees, marketing Training and Accountability Team (Mark & Darci) training mentors, reviewing journals, peer mentor center Incentives and Recognitions Team (Tracci) recognition ceremony, co-curricular transcript, incentives Assessment and Academics Team (Jeff) pre/post assessment, program evaluation, internships,

18. Pilot Program2009-2010 Academic Year • All UT Blue & Gold Scholars admitted for the 2010 Academic Year will be assigned a trained peer mentor • Other first year students including international students will be given the opportunity to have a peer mentor at Rocket Launch