DMC PEER MENTORING PROGRAM
Campus Resources | Support Network | Holistic Wellness
Purpose
The Dowdy Multicultural Center Peer Mentoring Program is dedicated to supporting WCU Students of Color (Asian American, Black/African American, Desi American, Latinx, Mixed heritage, Native American/Indigenous, Pacific Islander) through their first academic year. Students of Color will learn about campus resources, establish a support network that includes students, faculty, and staff, and create goals for holistic success with the guidance of established student leaders and DMC staff. Students will be matched with student leader after registering.
History
Established in 1994, the Mentoring Program in the Multicultural Center was formed to help Students of Color persist and graduate from West Chester University. The program was implemented by Jerome (Skip) Hutson and Rochelle Peterson. At that time the Mentoring Program only consisted of two components: the mentees (first-year students) and volunteer, faculty/staff mentors. In 1996, Dr. Kendrick Mickens joined the staff and a third component was added, the peer mentor component. This addition provided a successful academic peer liaison and role model for the first-year participates, and has become integral to the success of the program.
How It Works
Mentees will be matched with a mentor for the academic year after registering for the program.
As a result of participating in the Peer Mentoring Program, mentees will be able to:
- Identify campus resources
- Identify individuals to serve as a support network
- Create goals related to their holistic wellness
Mentees must commit to attending:
- 1 hour Mentoring meetings 2 times per month
- 1 Dowdy Multicultural Center sponsored event per month
- Programs, events, and personalized appointments hosted by campus resources led by students, staff, and faculty
- Welcoming Induction event
- End of fall semester celebration
- End of year celebration
Learn More!
To learn more about our Peer Mentoring Program and events held throughout the year, you can follow us @dowdymc_wcu or stay connected with us via email at Multicultural@wcupa.edu. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and join our email list! Our platforms provide the latest updates on upcoming events, trainings, and opportunities designed to empower and support WCU students.
Mentees Benefits
Mentors and program staff will guide you to:
- Increase awareness of campus resources
- Build a support network of students, staff, and faculty
- Create goals for holistic wellness
Application Process
1. Fill out the application below.
Note: Those who enroll will need to attend an information session and choose their desired
level of participation in the program.
2024-2025 Enrollment Deadline: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Become a Mentee
Peer Mentee Description
Starting at a new university is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. To support you in this transition, we invite you to join The Dowdy Multicultural Center Peer Mentoring Program for First-Year and Transfer Students of Color. This program is designed to help you connect with mentors of color who can offer guidance, support, and resources to help you thrive socially and academically at WCU.
How It Works:
There are 2 levels for the Peer Mentoring Program.
GOLD LEVEL: You will be matched with a student leader and 2 other mentees. With the guidance
of your mentor, you will attend various activities hosted by the DMC and campus resources.
PURPLE LEVEL: You will participate in programs only hosted by the Peer Mentoring Program. You will
have the opportunity to meet student leaders at the programs, but you will not receive
individual guidance.
Time Commitment:
We ask that you allocate at least 4-5 hours per month to the Mentoring Program for
the entirety of the academic year. The more you are able to participate the more you
will gain from the program.
Peer Mentors Benefits
- Opportunity to impact first year Students of Color.
- Increase awareness of campus resources.
- Serve as a resource.
- Practice communication and time management skills.
- Enhance leadership and coaching skills.
Application Process
- Fill out the application below. Note: We recommend you type your answer on a separate document and paste your answers
- Upload resume and cover letter within the application. Interview may be requested.
2024-2025 Application Deadline: Friday, September 6, 2024
Peer Mentor Description
Paid 10 Hour Weekly Commitment:
The following will be accomplished during Mentors weekly commitment:
- Mentee Meetings
- Completing Office Hours
- Fostering Campus Engagement
Must be available for virtual training and in-person monthly mentor developments days.
Eligibility:
- Credits: Earned 24 credits or more by the time application is submitted.
- Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing at WCU. Must have a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA) when applying and must maintain this GPA or better. Failure to maintain the GPA requirements will result in probation or termination of the Peer Mentor position.
- Leadership: Must have prior leadership experience and/or engaged in leadership activities on-campus/off-campus (community service, campus involvement, conference attendance, etc.).
- Student Conduct: Applicants who have any student conduct sanctions (or incomplete sanctions) will not be considered.
- Hours: Must be available for 40 hours per month.
- Attend Peer Mentor Training dates.
Expectations:
- Commit to Fall and Spring semesters (one academic year).
- All reports and deadlines should be met in a timely manner.
- Peer Mentors will be evaluated twice in the Fall semester and twice in the Spring semester to determine continued status.
- Abide by all local, state, and federal laws, as well as all University rules and regulations.
Peer Mentor Biographies
2022-2023
Alexis Acey
Year: 4th year
Major: Accelerated BS Geography: GIS Track
Involvements: Geography & Planning Club Secretary
Interests: Outdoor Enthusiast, Skincare Junkie, & Kpop Fan
Andrew Franz
Year: 2nd year
Major: Business Management
Involvements: Photography Assistant, Thrift Volunteer Work, Self Employed
Interests: Sports, Anime, Collecting artifacts
Student Assistants
Damaris Silva-Lopez
Year: 3rd year
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology major on Pre-PA track
Minor: Civic and Professional Leadership
Involvements: Fundraising Chair for Pre-Medical Student Association,Honors Student Association,
Nursing Assistant at Chester County Hospital
Interests: Reading, Walks, Coffee dates
Fatiah Adegbite
Year: 2nd year
Major: Psychology
Involvements: Photography Club, Golden Ram society, West Chester Foundation work study
Interests: Running, Hanging with friends and family
Gianna Sands
Year: 2nd year
Major: Psychology
Involvements: Red robin Togo specialist, In creative writing club, Spin class
Interests: Making tik toks, Watching netflix, Hanging with friends
Jared Haynes
Year: 2nd year
Major: Undecided
Minor: Undecided
Involvements: Dowdy Multicultural Center, BSU, Psychology Club
Interests: Exercising, Joining clubs, Volunteer work
Kaila Summers
Year: 4th year
Major: Psychology
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Involvements: Sisters United, D.R.E.A.M. Team, Precise Fashion Organization
Interests: Exercising, Trying new food, Reading
Khadejah Holmes
Year: 3rd year
Major: Psychology
Minor: Elementary Education
Involvements: Alpha Phi Omega, Psychology Club, RamCorps ambassador, YMCA summer camp counselor
Interests: Traveling, Reading, Volunteering, Hanging out with friends and family
Kimberly West
Year: 3rd year
Major: Marketing
Involvements: Lenscrafters sales associate, digital marketing internship experience
Interests: Music, Watching documentaries, Art
Lizeth Mercado Salinas
Year: 5th year
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Women and Gender Studies
Involvements: National Alliance on Mental Illness Member, Longwood Gardens Employee, and an Occasional
Babysitter
Interests: True Crime, Making jewelry, Reading
Mya Humphries
Year: 4th year
Major: Political Science
Minor: Media and Culture
Involvements: Manager, Volunteer
Interests: Reality TV, Exploring
Shanyia Morris
Year: 3rd year
Major: Psychology
Minor: Criminal Justice
Involvements: Psychology club, CESW Tech Center Assistant, YMCA summer camp counselor
Interests: Watching movies, Learning languages, Reading, Volunteering, Watching tv shows
Shelby Lewis
Year: 3rd year
Major: English
Minor: Journalism, Digital Humanities and New Media
Involvements: National Association for Black Journalists, POESIS, CTQA Peer Educator
Interests: Horror movies, Comic books, Pop culture
Sierra Friday
Year: 4th year
Major: Accelerated BS Geography: GIS Track
Involvements: Geography & Planning Club Secretary
Interests: Outdoor Enthusiast, Skincare Junkie, & Kpop Fan
Trinity Stephens
Year: 4th year
Major: Integrative Biology
Involvements: Peer mentoring program
Interests: Watching Netflix, Listening to music & hanging with friends