Peer Mentoring Program in Sciences

Mentoring Matters program is a peer mentoring program for undergraduate students that was started in Biology by Dr. Sherry Krayesky-Self, Master Instructor. The program has now extended to Computer Science and Informatics along with Chemistry. The mentorship program held its training session in Fall 2017 with participation of students and faculty from Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Informatics. Mentors learned how to listen carefully and how to ask probing questions that shed light on the topics their mentees struggle with. The Mentoring Matters program has grown with over 30 mentors/tutors, and several supportive faculty members who serve as advisors to the mentors.

Mentoring matters helps students with Introductory Biology, Biology Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology lecture and lab, Cell Biology lecture and lab, Genetics, Microbiology and non-majors Principles of Biology as well as first two core courses in Computer Science and Informatics. Mentees and Mentors/Tutors develop good study habits and test- taking skills. They share personal experiences that provide a sense of community within the Department. Peer driven networks and friendships create such an atmosphere with ease. The amazing thing about this program is how it is growing from within through the efforts of the mentors themselves. Teaching others is the best known mechanism of retaining knowledge, and this student-driven and faculty supported mentoring program has a bright future.