Arts students invited to get a little help from their peers

Making a smooth transition from high school to university is not easy: the change in learning environment, expectations, and teaching styles makes first year challenging. But a new Peer Mentoring program at UFV is designed to help first-year students learn how to thrive in university. Funded by a $20,000 grant from the Royal Bank, peer mentors -– successful students in their third or fourth year — will help first-year students develop university-appropriate study skills, manage their time effectively, and set realistic and achievable goals.

The mentors will also help the first-year students learn how to navigate campus systems and take advantage of campus resources and opportunities. Many first-year students, for example, don’t know that UFV has a Writing Centre and a Math Centre, or that Student Services offers workshops, counselling, advising, and other support; they may not be aware of opportunities such as work-study, co-operative education, or studying abroad. The mentors will help the students make the most of their time at UFV.

Are you a first-year Arts student?

The Arts Peer Mentor program can help you succeed UFV.

If you participate, here’s what you can expect:

You’ll meet individually with the mentor twice per month

You’ll get practical guidance in developing key skills like note-taking, time management, and goal-setting

W hen you have questions or need help, you can contact your mentor via telephone, email or face-to-face (as required).

Your mentor will be able to refer you to the services or resources you need.

You can take part in social get-togethers with the other mentees and mentors

You’ll be eligible for special achievement scholarships for participants who improve over the Winter 2013 semester.

To find out more, go to: http://goo.gl/k04Zf .

Apply now to participate. Deadline is Thurs, Jan 31.